Ohio lawmakers set vote on $1B lifeline for 2 nuclear plants

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Ohio could become the latest state to hand out a billion dollar financial rescue for its nuclear power plants.

Lawmakers in the Ohio House are set to vote Tuesday on a plan that would give $150 million a year to stop the unprofitable nuclear plants from closing prematurely.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has said he intends to sign it into law if the legislation is approved.

Critics say the state’s residents and businesses shouldn’t be forced to pay a new fee that would be added onto electricity bills and benefit the nuclear plants’ owner.

Supporters contend that the nuclear plants account for nearly all of Ohio’s clean energy and employ a combined 1,400 workers while generating millions in taxes.

States including New York and Illinois already have approved similar measures.