Ohio Coalition Backs All-of-the-Above Energy Plan as Power Bills Rise

A new Ohio coalition, Build Ohio First, is promoting an energy plan that would include natural gas, nuclear, wind and solar. Its backer, Matthew Hargarten of Powering Prosperity, said the debate should focus less on partisan labels for electricity generation. Polling cited by the group found 79 percent of Ohioans support solar, 73 percent support natural gas and 71 percent support wind, while nuclear drew 39 percent support and 39 percent opposition; electricity costs in the state are about 34 percent higher than four years ago.

Build Ohio First is a newly formed Ohio coalition. Powering Prosperity, a national group led by Matthew Hargarten, is behind it. The coalition wants the state to consider a mix of energy sources rather than choosing one. Its proposed mix includes gas, nuclear, wind and solar. Hargarten argues that electricity generation should be discussed without partisan framing.

The coalition points to its own polling. It says 79% of Ohioans back solar, 73% back natural gas, and 71% back wind. Nuclear received 39% support and 39% opposition. The group also says Ohio's power prices are about 34% above their level four years before.