Latest news with #Bill6
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State utility regulators preparing for Ohio House Bill 6 hearing
Natural gas meter with pipe on wall. Stock photo from Getty Images. Ohio utility regulators are gearing up for hearings on FirstEnergy's role in the House Bill 6 scandal. Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder is behind bars — although seeking a presidential pardon — for overseeing the largest corruption case in state history. FirstEnergy funneled about $60 million to a dark money group controlled by Householder. The former speaker used that money to secure his own leadership position and influence passage of HB 6. The measure propped up a pair of nuclear plants and aging coal facilities by tacking a rider onto consumers' monthly bills. But that's just the broad strokes. Nearly five years on from Householder's indictment, questions remain about how exactly the scheme unfolded and where FirstEnergy officials got the money for it. Half a dozen former FirstEnergy officials in government affairs and c-suite positions are set to testify in a PUCO hearing next week. Four of them previously pled the Fifth and have since received immunity from a Franklin County judge. At the heart of the case, the Ohio Consumers' Counsel wants to demonstrate whether FirstEnergy used the money it got from average consumers to bribe state officials. In January, former FirstEnergy executives Charles 'Chuck' Jones and Michael Dowling were indicted on federal racketeering charges. Last year, state officials filed more than 40 charges against the executives as well as the man they bribed, former PUCO chairman Sam Randazzo. Last week, a judge in Summit County dismissed theft charges against Jones and Dowling, but they still face several other state criminal charges. The PUCO proceedings focus on the employees one rung below Jones and Dowling, attempting to show how money moved in the scheme by gathering testimony from the foot soldiers who answered to FirstEnergy's leadership. Four of the witnesses previously refused to testify, citing their Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination. A Franklin County judge ordered them to testify and granted them 'the broadest possible immunity' from prosecution. Ohio indictments provide a better picture of squalid relationships that spurred massive scandal The PUCO will also hear from Steven Strah, the former CFO who took over FirstEnergy following Jones' ouster, and Robert Reffner, the company's chief legal officer at the time of the scandal. The Ohio Consumers' Counsel subpoenas argue consumers were wrongly charged more than $6.6 million, and another $7.4 million was incorrectly listed as a capital expenditure. Compelling testimony, the filings argue, 'will help establish how and why FirstEnergy improperly misallocated House Bill 6 costs to the FirstEnergy Utilities.' 'We look forward to getting answers for FirstEnergy consumers and holding FirstEnergy accountable,' Ohio Consumers' Counsel Maureen Willis said in a statement. 'Justice for FirstEnergy consumers is long overdue.' Just over a month ago, state lawmakers voted to put an end to the House Bill 6 rider tacked on to ratepayers' monthly bills. The legislation won't take effect until August. Democrats in the Ohio House, meanwhile, argue the door remains open for next House Bill 6. 'No law in Ohio prevented this scandal,' state Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, D-Westlake, argued at a press conference last month. 'And since, not one law has even remotely been truly attempted to fix this massive injustice.' Sweeney, and state Reps. Chris Glassburn, D-North Olmsted, Dani Isaacsohn, D-Cincinnati, and Desiree Tims, D-Dayton, have filed bills that would require contribution disclosures to or so-called dark money groups, institute penalties for undermining signature gathering campaigns and bar companies that make contributions from receiving state contracts. The PUCO will hold a procedural hearing this morning, with the evidentiary portion of the case beginning next week, on June 10. The hearings themselves will likely take several days. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Rally in downtown Kitchener to protest controversial provincial bills
'Rally for People and Planet' at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener on May 31, 2025. (Hannah Schmidt/CTV News) A 'Rally for People and Planet' was held in downtown Kitchener on Saturday. Dozens of people gathered at Carl Zehr Square to hear from Aislinn Clancy, the deputy leader for the Green Party of Ontario and MPP for Kitchener Centre. Rally for People and Planet Kitchener Carl Zehr Square Aislinn Clancy Kitchener Centre MPP Aislinn Clancy speaks at the 'Rally for People and Planet' at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener on May 31, 2025. (Hannah Schmidt/CTV News) The event focused on two proposed provincial laws – Bill 5 and Bill 6. Bill 6 targets homeless encampments and drug use in public spaces. If passed, police officers would have more power to arrest anyone in a public space, including a tent, who is in possession of an illegal substance. Those individuals would then face tougher penalties, including up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $10,000. Advocates have argued that punitive measures often fail to address the issues causing homelessness and may, in fact, make them worse. Bill 5, meanwhile, seeks to speed up development for certain projects, like mining, and create 'special economic zones' where provincial and municipal laws would be suspended. The Ring of Fire is one the sites identified by the province.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FirstEnergy continues effort to raise prices as Ohio repeals scandal-ridden bill
Smart energy meter. (Stock photo via Getty Images) While energy prices are set to jump this summer, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill into law that could provide some relief — eliminating a subsidy from the scandal-ridden Ohio House Bill 6 that requires ratepayers to fund unprofitable coal plants. As this happens, utility companies are moving to increase consumers' bills. Back in 2019, Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder took and funneled $61 million worth of bribes in exchange for legislation to give utility company FirstEnergy a $1 billion bailout, named H.B. 6, all at ratepayers' expense. In March 2023, a jury found that Householder and former GOP leader Matt Borges, beyond a reasonable doubt, participated in the racketeering scheme that left four men guilty and two dead. In late June that year, federal judge Timothy Black sentenced Householder to 20 years in prison. Borges got five years for his role in the scheme, but most importantly, he attempted to bribe Tyler Fehrman, an FBI whistleblower, with $15,000 to help kill a repeal effort he was working on. On video, Borges told Fehrman that if he told anyone about the bribe, he would 'blow up' his house. While some of H.B. 6 was overturned already, ratepayers have been paying a subsidy that funds two Ohio Valley Electric Corporation coal plants — one in Southern Ohio and one in Indiana. The main beneficiaries for OVEC are American Electric Power Company (AEP), Duke Energy and AES Ohio. Still, FirstEnergy collects payment for it. But with the swipe of a pen — consumers will likely see their bills go down. DeWine signed a massive energy overhaul bill, H.B. 15, on Friday. It repeals the OVEC charges. A study commissioned by the Ohio Manufacturers' Association found that in 2024 alone, these subsidies cost ratepayers roughly $200 million. The company lost more than $100 million the same year, so consumers are paying for plants that aren't profitable. Consumers can expect to save between $1.30 and $1.50 per month, depending on their utility provider, according to the Energy News Network. The subsidies may not seem like a lot every month, but they add up when inflation is high and people struggle. 'It makes a difference, especially in today's day and age with a kind of shaky economy and folks trying to just make ends meet,' Fehrman said. While this will save citizens a bit of money, Householder attorney Scott Pullins argues that this will hurt the rural areas it serves. 'They are major high-paying jobs in the area, and the kind of area where there aren't very many high-paying jobs,' Pullins said about the plant jobs. 'They generate a whole boatload of taxes for schools in those areas. And if those plants get shut down, it's going to be devastating for those communities.' The Ohio plant employs many Ohioans, he added. But now, this may embolden utility companies to ask for more rate hikes, he said. This is already happening. 'Our electric grid needs to be modernized,' Pullins said. 'I'm assuming that those are where those costs are going. I think we do need a robust regulatory scheme to make sure these companies aren't wasting these funds.' FirstEnergy is now petitioning the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to raise its prices — a $190 million increase in its charges. If approved, the Ohio Consumers' Counsel estimated that Cleveland Illuminating Company consumers will see a $13 price increase per month, Ohio Edison will have a $3 spike, and Toledo Edison at $1.50. On Monday, DeWine said he doesn't have an opinion on the price increases. 'As far as the raising of bills, ultimately, as you know, this is up to the PUCO,' he said. Fehrman said this shouldn't be allowed. 'There is this massive scandal where these companies tried to put a larger burden on the backs of every single Ohioan,' he said. 'And now, they're asking for more money in a time when folks are already struggling.' The bill will go into effect in 90 days. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
CBC
07-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
N.S. government asked municipalities to support more resource development. It hasn't happened
Most Nova Scotia municipalities have not followed the province's request to publicly support more resource development in the province, with some calling the appeal "vague" and "inappropriate." Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr wrote to all 49 municipalities on Feb.11, asking them to signal their support for "greater resource development within our province" by letter or press release. Lohr offered no details about what kinds of resources he meant, but the PC government had by that time discussed lifting the ban on uranium mining and fracking for onshore gas. That eventually happened when Bill 6 passed in late March. Many municipal councils discussed Lohr's letter in recent weeks, while others have simply accepted the letter without comment. Warden Penny Smith of the District of Shelburne attended a meeting of mayors, wardens and CAOs in late February to talk about issues like the resource letter. "The feel around the table was, 'What are you thinking?' Smith said during a Feb. 26 council session. "I think a lot felt it was disrespectful and inappropriate to ask for carte blanche for resource extraction." Coun. Keith Rhyno of East Hants said he had heard from residents worried about the return of fracking. People in Noel and Kennetcook have long complained of test wells in those areas, and fracking wastewater in holding ponds left behind. Rhyno said he might be able to consider new resource or fracking projects if the province can provide evidence they won't harm groundwater, drinking wells, or contaminate the land. "But they haven't done that.… They just want to open 'er up. And without those assurances, how can anybody support this letter?" Rhyno said on Feb.26. "It doesn't say how, when, where, what are the plans, what are the details. We don't know any of that stuff, so it is vague," said Colchester Mayor Christine Blair on Feb.27. The PC government has said it is working to update regulations around natural resource development, and is mindful of modern environmental protections. The Municipality of the County of Cumberland approved a letter on March 26 that said while resource development may help the provincial economy, it cannot come with "at all costs." "Cumberland municipal council is saying neither 'yes' nor 'no,' in each and every case of resource development. Rather, we say 'maybe-maybe not.' We say 'show us the details, let us examine the risks and benefits and consult on each project,'" said the letter from Mayor Rod Gilroy. In Mahone Bay, Coun. Kelly Wilson said on Feb.27 that while he might personally agree with the PC government's resource approach, "I don't think it's our place to support a particular party's position on a particular issue." Various municipalities also have had residents and advocacy groups write to their councillors with environmental concerns, asking them to not support Lohr's request. Resident Leitha Haysom, a former councillor with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, said she found it odd that the provincial government was asking for municipal support on resources when they have dismissed their concerns in the past over issues like the decision to abandon the Coastal Protection Act. "You shouldn't dirty your hands by doing the province's dirty work. They weren't elected on the platform of resource extraction … but they do want you to give them the credibility," Haysom said at a Feb.25 council meeting. Instead of signaling support for Lohr's request, many municipalities have agreed to have the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities speak for all 49 units on the issue. "We've had a number of members just say clearly like 'we're not going there. We need NSFM to lead this with the province,'" Pam Mood, federation president and mayor of the Town of Yarmouth, said last week. In light of recent PC bills stepping into municipal territory, like on Halifax development and transportation decisions across the province, Mood said municipalities are always concerned that the province will push through resource projects without local consultation. The District of Yarmouth is one of the only municipalities who have taken a different approach. On March 5, council passed a letter drafted by Deputy Warden Trevor Cunningham that told Lohr it supported the province's efforts to "promote responsible resource development" in Nova Scotia. "These initiatives are crucial pieces to strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term prosperity for our communities," the letter said. It also referenced the importance of the Yarmouth district's port and airport, which councillors said require overdue upgrades. "It also puts a little onus on the back of the Department of Municipal Affairs, and [Lohr] as he's also the minister of finance — touching upon the wharfs and the airport is a great opportunity for us to do a little quid pro quo, and get something back in return," said Coun. Phil Mooney. Mood said she wasn't aware of any municipalities who had supported Lohr's request, but even if one wanted to take that step "that doesn't mean the other 48 municipalities are ready to go." When asked about the lack of explicit municipal support for resource development, Premier Tim Houston said his government has reached out to community and elected leaders. He said the response has been encouraging. "There'll be full consultation," Houston told reporters last Thursday. "It's OK to proceed cautiously, but we have to proceed — and we will." CBC asked to interview Lohr about the response to his letter, but that request was declined. Province says 'collaboration' will happen A statement from the Department of Municipal Affairs said work on natural resources "will require close collaboration" with municipal partners and the federation of municipalities to "determine how to move forward in a sustainable way, while supporting our economy for the benefit of all Nova Scotians." Mood said she has spoken with the province about municipal concerns, and the federation has a strong relationship with the PC government that she is hopeful will continue. The NSFM is now speaking with its members and drafting a formal response around resource development. Mood said that should go to the province in the next few weeks.
CBC
28-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Mi'kmaw chiefs reject fracking in Nova Scotia
Days after Premier Tim Houston's government passed legislation that lifts the provincial moratorium on hydraulic fracturing for onshore natural gas, Mi'kmaw leaders in Nova Scotia are making their position clear and threatening legal action. "The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs continue to remain opposed to hydraulic fracturing and will not see it happen in our unceded and traditional territory," reads a letter to the premier that is signed by the 13 chiefs who comprise the assembly. The letter was posted on social media Thursday night. On Friday, the assembly released a statement saying that they are looking into filing an injunction into the province's law-making process on fracking and uranium mining because the government is making decisions "about the lands and waters in the unceded and traditional territory of the Mi'kmaq, without any real consideration of the rights holders." "Environmental racism is a real thing," Chief Michelle Glasgow is quoted as saying in the release. "The Province of Nova Scotia and Premier Houston are making decisions and moving at a speed that appears rooted in racist and colonial practices. They continue to marginalize the voices, position and concerns of the Mi'kmaq." New direction for government The chiefs have been at odds with Houston and his government since a recent policy shift by the Progressive Conservatives that focuses on the development of the province's natural resources. When Houston announced the new direction in January, he said the province needs to develop its natural resources to make Nova Scotia more financially self-sufficient at a time when Canada faces the threat of tariffs from the United States government. In announcing the shift, Houston said his government was taking on unnamed special interests and professional protesters whom he accused of pressuring previous governments and holding back the province's economic development potential. The premier was after a letter from the assembly reminding him of the legal requirement for First Nations consultation. Houston heard from the assembly about the need for consultation again following the introduction of Bill 6, the legislation that lifts the fracking moratorium and ban on uranium exploration and mining. That prompted a meeting with the premier, L'nu Affairs Minister Leah Martin and the chiefs. Interest from industry On Tuesday at Province House, Houston told reporters that the meeting he and Martin had with the chiefs was "productive." The government needs to "continue to have a discussion with [the chiefs] and involve them and share more information with them as things go forward," the premier said. In its statement Friday, assembly members said they were speaking out to dispel any notion that they were "properly consulted and/or on board with these recent provincial decisions." "These implications are inaccurate and skirt the truth about how discussions with the Mi'kmaq are really going." The Progressive Conservatives pushed ahead with Bill 6 unamended despite the concerns of the chiefs and members of the public who made written submissions and in-person presentations to the legislature's public bills committee. Although there was industry support for uranium exploration and mining during that committee meeting, there were no supportive presentations for fracking. Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau later told reporters that officials in his department are aware of companies with interest in the legislative changes happening in Nova Scotia. Boudreau said lifting the fracking moratorium is "an opportunity for us to look at what is the art of the possible." "A hundred per cent of our natural gas either comes from or flows through the United States," he said. 'It's time to have the discussion' Earlier this week, the premier acknowledged the pushback the plan to lift the fracking moratorium has received. He and Boudreau have been steadfast that no project would be approved without a rigorous environmental assessment that shows it can happen without compromising environmental or human health. "It's OK for Nova Scotians to have a bit of nervousness about a change in having these discussions," said Houston. "That's OK. I share that. That's why we know that we'll have an effective process going forward, but it's time to have the discussion on the development of our natural resources. For the most part, I think Nova Scotians are on board with that."
