Urge an interstate compact re: electric transmission projects
Summary
HCR 38 is a concurrent resolution urging the creation of an interstate compact to support competitively bid electric transmission projects. The resolution argues that some state policies are anti-competitive, can raise costs for ratepayers, and may hinder modernization and expansion of the electric transmission system. It frames the issue as one of economic growth, infrastructure reliability, and consumer benefit, and calls for a more open regional market for transmission development.
The resolution specifically encourages the compact to include principles such as uniform treatment of all generation types, cost allocation based on all beneficiaries, equal participation by all member states, streamlined siting and certification, faster permitting and review for grid-enhancing technologies, open bidding for interstate projects, elimination of duplicate permitting, and prioritization of co-location superhighways where feasible. It also directs the House Clerk to send copies of the resolution to the Governor and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. As a concurrent resolution, it expresses the General Assembly’s position and does not itself amend Ohio statutes or create binding regulatory requirements.
Impact
HCR 38 does not change Ohio law or amend any statute; it is a nonbinding legislative statement urging action by other states and policymakers. Its practical effect is to advocate for a multistate framework that could influence future transmission siting, permitting, bidding, and cost-allocation rules, particularly for interstate electric infrastructure and utility regulation. The resolution is aimed at electric utilities, transmission developers, ratepayers, regulators, and state governments that might join such a compact.
Sentiment
The available text suggests a strongly supportive sentiment toward market-based transmission development and interstate coordination. The resolution is written in favor of competition, streamlined permitting, and reduced regulatory barriers, with an emphasis on lowering costs and improving reliability. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, so no formal opposition or bipartisan debate is documented here.
Contention
The main points of contention implied by the resolution are the existence of state policies described as anti-competitive, the claim that some laws may discriminate against out-of-state businesses, and the proposal to reduce or harmonize state permitting authority through an interstate compact. Potential opponents would likely include states or stakeholders that favor local control, existing permitting processes, or policies that protect in-state industries and utility planning authority. The resolution also raises broader concerns about Commerce Clause issues, cost allocation, and whether streamlined interstate bidding could shift costs or decision-making away from individual states.
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