Reps. Cockley and Rader Introduce Legislation Regarding Natural Gas Fuel Cell Facilities

COLUMBUS - State Reps. Cockley (D-Columbus) and Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) this week introduced House Bill (HB) 853. This legislation would require decommission plans to be submitted to the Ohio Power Siting Board and submit safety plans to local fire departments prior to construction of a natural gas fuel cell facility.

Fuel cells, like the system being built to power a data center in Hilliard, have been a source of local concern among residents regarding potential health, environmental, and safety impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

"Fuel cells are an emerging technology in Ohio, and we must ensure that our communities are protected as these developments progress," said Rep Cockley. "These safety plans are essential in ensuring our first responders are prepared should any accident occur."

Under current Ohio law, solar and wind energy projects are required to submit decommissioning plans, while similar stringent standards do not exist for fossil fuel-based technologies.

"Ohioans should be able to expect careful planning of these fossil fuel facilities, from cradle to grave," said Rep. Rader. "Requiring decommission plans for these facilities will ensure communities aren't left with a mess to clean up after they're gone."

HB 853 awaits further consideration in the Ohio House Energy Committee.­­