State Republicans seek to ban cities from limiting natural gas development

Ohio lawmakers are considering a pair of bills that would block cities and counties from opting out of pipeline projects or limiting the use of natural gas.

Lobbyists representing the coal and natural gas industries appeared before the House Energy and Natural Resources committee Wednesday in support.

House Bill 192 would prohibit city or county governments from banning the use of “any fossil fuel” for energy generation or the construction of a natural gas pipeline through the jurisdiction. House Bill 201, similarly, would block local governments from passing any ordinance that “limits” or “prevents” consumer access to natural gas.

A growing list of American cities — starting with Berkeley, Calif. in 2019 — have passed legislation banning or limiting new natural gas hookups.

Read more: https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2021/03/25/ohio-republicans-seek-to-ban-cities-from-restricting-natural-gas-development/