We have so much news to share with
you, Friend --
Generation Now, the 501(c)(4) at the center of the HB6
scandal, is pleading guilty to the federal Racketeering
charge
Generation Now admits there was a quid pro quo, that they funneled
money to Larry Householder for direct support and passage of House
Bill 6. It was a direct bribe.
Generation Now has signed a clear admission of
guilt last week and it was filed yesterday in federal
court.
Generation Now received tens of millions of dollars that Larry
Householder and others used to pay bribes, fund Householder's
political activities and run a public campaign supporting House
Bill 6.
Governor DeWine’s botched search for a new PUCO commissioner
continues and is gathering some scathing editorials:
The Columbus Dispatch : "...That’s
another reason for DeWine to go out of his way to make a
consumer-friendly appointment: The PUCO’s recent history has been one
of favoring utilities over consumers. Lawmakers and other public
officeholders are supported by FirstEnergy and other utility campaign
with contributions large enough to raise questions about the influence
wielded by those donors." -
The Plain Dealer: "Episodes like
Randazzo’s crusade against a wind-energy project while he was PUCO
chairman demonstrate Ohio’s backward-looking energy policies. The
legislature and at times the PUCO have mulishly resisted wind- and
solar-energy projects. While the rest of the world moves forward,
supporting clean energy, Ohio seems like a livery stable buying more
and more horses just as Henry Ford gins up production of the Model T.
Any wonder Ohio keeps slipping?"
More could be revealed about the PUCO's role in passing HB6
The Environmental Law & Policy Center and the Ohio
Environmental Council last week filed a motion with the Public Utility
Commission of Ohio asking that its multiple
investigations related to the House Bill 6 scandal be consolidated
into one.
One issue they want investigated is what role former PUCO
Chairman Sam Randazzo played in the passage of House Bill 6 and
whether he corrupted the regulatory process. Sam Randazzo resigned
soon after the FBI searched his Columbus townhome and FirstEnergy
revealed that former top executives had paid a utility regulator
matching his description.
The corruption runs deep and it is time to start digging it
out.
FirstEnergy agrees to end 'decoupling'
provision
FirstEnergy has agreed to an out-of-court
settlement to end a guaranteed profit rider which would
have been in addition to the $150 million nuclear bailout in House
Bill 6. The agreement calls for Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's
office to stop seeking evidence in a civil lawsuit until after the
conclusion of the FBI's criminal investigation.
Meanwhile, Larry Householder continues to serve in the
legislature...
It's hard to believe that Larry Householder is still in
office, but House Speaker Bob Cupp continues struggle to find the
political will to rid the legislature of
this scandal:
"There isn’t any timetable.
We’re still consulting with members. I’d just reiterate that my
personal position is the honorable thing for him to do would be
resign," Speaker Cupp said on
Wednesday.
As one of our members said on facebook, "I won't hold my
breath."
Thank you for all of the donations, phone calls, letters,
petition signatures, billboards, yard signs and personal
testimony. There's so much more we can accomplish together
this year.
Please consider a contribution of any size to help your
member-supported government and industry watchdog.
Thank you! We can't do it without you.
Ohio
Citizen
Action http://www.ohiocitizen.org/
P.S. If you another minute, please send a letter to Governor DeWine
telling him to choose a consumer-focused PUCO Chair.
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