Ohio

Utilities

What to expect as Ohio utility corruption trial heads for a do-over

The trial for two former FirstEnergy execs on criminal charges linked to the HB 6 scandal ended with a hung jury. A retrial is scheduled for September.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 14 April 2026
Clean energy

This Ohio county put a ban on wind and solar. Will voters reverse it?

Richland County blocked large-scale renewables in most townships. Voters now have a rare opportunity to overturn that policy at the ballot box.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 13 April 2026
Green steel

What’s next for Ohio’s former green steel project? More coal, it seems.

Cleveland-Cliffs won a federal grant to install hydrogen-ready tech. Now, it wants to revamp its Middletown blast furnace, raising questions about its use of funds.

By Maria Gallucci, Kathiann M. Kowalski . 25 March 2026
Solar

Ohio blocks big solar farm, despite apparently fake public comments

Regulators acknowledged the suspicious comments but deferred to local government opposition to Crossroads Solar, continuing what some see as unfair siting practices.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 24 March 2026
Fossil fuels

Trump deal for a $33B gas megaplant in Ohio faces huge hurdles

The government’s surprise announcement lacked key details, leading some to doubt if the project can secure equipment, permits, and room on the grid any time soon.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 March 2026
Nuclear

Draft bill would let utilities own nuclear plants in Ohio

Last year, the state banned utilities from building and operating electricity generation. But now, some lawmakers want to make an exception for “advanced nuclear.”

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 12 March 2026
Utilities

Ohio corruption trial traces tactics to prop up nuclear and coal plants

Former FirstEnergy execs Chuck Jones and Mike Dowling face state criminal charges connected to HB 6 bailout maneuvers, for which Ohioans are still paying the price.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 27 February 2026
Clean energy

A new Ohio bill could be a de facto statewide ban on solar and wind

The state is mulling a bill that calls for all new generation to be “affordable, reliable, and clean” — but its strained definitions would exclude renewables.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 12 February 2026
Solar

Are faked public comments about to tank an Ohio solar farm?

Dozens of public comments opposing the $98 million Crossroads Solar project appear to be fabricated. Ohio’s siting board may block the project anyway.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 5 February 2026
Fossil fuels

What a fracking-waste dispute says about Ohio’s energy double standard

Ohio is letting the oil and gas industry put more toxic waste underground despite community concerns — even as the state defers to local opponents of clean energy.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 13 January 2026