Ohio Declares Nuclear Energy “Green” Despite Public Health Concerns

COLUMBUS, OH — In a controversial move, the Ohio legislature has passed House Bill 308, a measure that officially defines nuclear energy as “green energy.” The bill, which has now been sent to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk for approval, has sparked outrage among environmental advocates and public health experts, who argue that it misrepresents the realities of nuclear power.

Under the guise of promoting clean energy, critics say the legislation opens the door for increased taxpayer subsidies and expanded funding for the nuclear industry in Ohio, raising concerns about the state's priorities and the influence of nuclear proponents on public policy.

A Bill Cloaked in “Green” Rhetoric

House Bill 308, championed by state Rep. Dick Stein, classifies energy generated through nuclear reactions as “green energy.” The term has traditionally been reserved for renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro, which reduce air pollution without the environmental and public health risks associated with nuclear energy.

“This bill is a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” said one environmental advocate. “Nuclear energy is neither clean nor green—it’s dangerous, expensive, and leaves a toxic legacy for future generations.”

Supporters of the bill argue that nuclear energy is necessary to meet Ohio’s energy needs and align with national goals for carbon reduction. However, opponents point to Ohio’s troubled history with nuclear operations as evidence that the risks outweigh the benefits.

The Fallout from Nuclear Operations in Piketon

For many Ohioans, particularly those in Piketon, nuclear energy is synonymous with contamination, illness, and broken promises. The former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, located in this small southern Ohio community, is a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of nuclear activity. The plant, which enriched uranium for military and commercial use, left behind radioactive and chemical contamination that continues to plague the area.

Residents of Piketon have reported elevated cancer rates and other health issues, which they attribute to decades of exposure to the plant’s hazardous materials. Despite cleanup efforts, the site remains a symbol of the nuclear industry’s impact on vulnerable communities.

“This bill ignores the devastating realities we’ve lived through,” said a Piketon resident. “It’s an insult to call nuclear energy green when it has caused so much harm.”

Backroom Deals and Hidden Agendas

Critics have also slammed the bill’s legislative journey, highlighting Rep. Stein’s ties to the nuclear industry. Stein previously proposed creating the Ohio Nuclear Development Authority, an entity designed to promote nuclear energy. Though that effort failed, the authority was quietly established through a budget amendment, bypassing public debate.

The Ohio Nuclear Development Authority is staffed by nuclear industry insiders who stand to profit from the expansion of nuclear projects in the state. Environmental advocates have labeled the authority a “shadow organization” that operates with little transparency or accountability.

“This is a blatant attempt to funnel taxpayer money into the pockets of nuclear executives,” said one policy expert. “It’s not about clean energy—it’s about profit.”

Subsidies, Taxpayer Funding, and the Future of Ohio’s Energy Policy

By labeling nuclear energy as green, H.B. 308 paves the way for increased subsidies and funding for nuclear projects under state clean energy programs. Critics argue that these funds would be better spent on truly renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which do not carry the environmental and health risks of nuclear power.

The bill’s passage comes at a time when federal policies are already prioritizing nuclear energy. President Joe Biden’s ban on uranium imports from Russia has intensified the push for domestic nuclear production, and Ohio, with its existing infrastructure, is poised to play a key role.

However, opponents warn that expanding Ohio’s nuclear footprint will come at a steep cost, both financially and environmentally. “This isn’t about progress,” said an environmental advocate. “It’s about locking Ohio into a dangerous and unsustainable energy future.”

Governor’s Decision Looms

As the bill awaits Governor DeWine’s signature, its implications are clear: more taxpayer dollars could flow to nuclear projects, perpetuating a cycle of subsidies and corporate welfare. Environmental groups are urging the governor to veto the bill, arguing that Ohio’s energy policy should prioritize safety, sustainability, and public health.

“This is a pivotal moment for Ohio,” said one critic. “The governor has a choice: protect the people of this state or sell out to the nuclear industry under the false pretense of clean energy.”

The debate over H.B. 308 underscores a larger battle for the future of energy in Ohio, one where the stakes are measured not just in dollars, but in lives and the health of the environment.