- Mar 31, 2025
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# Ohio Lawmakers Vote to Repeal Controversial FirstEnergy Bill
**Breaking Now News** – In a significant move, Ohio lawmakers have voted to repeal **House Bill 6**, the scandal-ridden legislation tied to the **FirstEnergy bribery scandal**. The decision comes after years of public outcry, federal investigations, and mounting political pressure.
## The Rise and Fall of House Bill 6
### **What Was House Bill 6?**
- Passed in **2019**, the bill **bailed out** two nuclear power plants owned by a FirstEnergy subsidiary.
- Included **ratepayer subsidies**, costing Ohioans **$1.3 billion** over a decade.
- Also **rolled back renewable energy standards**, slowing Ohio's transition to clean energy.
### **The Scandal That Shook Ohio Politics**
- Federal prosecutors uncovered a **$60 million bribery scheme** involving FirstEnergy executives and state officials.
- Former Ohio House Speaker **Larry Householder** was convicted on **racketeering charges** for orchestrating the scheme.
- FirstEnergy admitted to bribing officials in a **$230 million settlement** with the Justice Department.
## Why the Repeal Matters
### **Restoring Trust in Government**
- Lawmakers argued the repeal was necessary to **distance Ohio from corruption**.
- State Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) called it **"an important step toward accountability."**
### **Impact on Energy Policy**
- Ohio now faces questions about **future energy subsidies** and whether nuclear plants still need financial aid.
- Environmental advocates hope the repeal will **reinvigorate clean energy investments**.
### **Political Fallout Continues**
- Some Republicans initially resisted repeal, fearing economic consequences.
- Gov. Mike DeWine, who signed HB6, now supports its repeal after the scandal.
## What’s Next for Ohio?
Lawmakers must now **craft new energy policies** without the taint of corruption. Meanwhile, advocates demand stricter **ethics reforms** to prevent future scandals.
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## **What Do You Think?**
- **Should Ohio still subsidize nuclear power, or should it shift entirely to renewables?**
- **Is the repeal enough, or should more politicians be held accountable?**
- **Did Gov. DeWine act too late in supporting the repeal?**
- **Could this scandal lead to stricter campaign finance laws in Ohio?**
**Let us know in the comments!** Stay with **Breaking Now News** for the latest updates.
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