Reps. Weinstein, Brent give sponsor testimony on Energy Jobs & Justice Act

COLUMBUS–State Reps. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) and Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) gave sponsor testimony today before the Ohio House Public Utilities Committee on House Bill (HB) 429, the Energy Jobs & Justice Act.

The Energy Jobs & Justice Act centers on three primary policy pillars—equity, transparency, and carbon emissions reduction—and would do the following:

Launch the state’s largest economic development initiative in recent history by prioritizing clean energy jobs and environmental justice programs;
Center equitable policy design to ensure clean energy benefits go to those most historically and disproportionately harmed by Ohio’s regressive energy policies;
Move Ohio towards a more equitable clean energy future by encouraging clean energy growth, energy waste reduction and curbing utility influence over policymaking and regulatory actions.
 

“We are rapidly approaching the two year anniversary of the HB 6 scandal, and Ohioans are still paying the price of that corruption. This bill is the blueprint that our state needs to move forward into a clean energy future that works for all Ohioans,” said Weinstein. “The Energy Jobs & Justice Act would create good-paying jobs and ensure that Ohio is not left behind as the rest of the country advances.”

“Every Ohioan, regardless of zip code, deserves access to fresh air and clean water, now and in the future,” said Brent. “This bill puts our state on the right path to move forward in a way that benefits ALL Ohio communities, while bringing job opportunities and environmental justice equity to our low-income communities and  communities of color.”

HB 429 now awaits further hearings in the House Public Utilities Committee.