HCR 38: Urge an interstate compact re: electric transmission projects
The resolution urges the creation of an interstate compact to allow for a competitive electric transmission market. This compact should aim to benefit the electric ratepayer and the economy in general. Key principles of the compact include: uniform applicability to all electric generation methods allocation of costs to all beneficiaries without targeting specific industries equal applicability to all states that enter into the compact uniformity of siting and certification processes streamlining of permits and reviews for adopting innovative grid-enhancing technologies opening the bidding process to interstate projects eliminating double permitting prioritizing the designation of co-location superhighways for streamlined permitting and coordinated infrastructure development.
| Mar. 18, 2026 | Introduced and Referred to Committee: Energy |
As Introduced
136th General Assembly
Regular Session
H. C. R. No. 38
2025-2026
Representative Fischer
To urge the creation of an interstate compact regarding competitively bid electric transmission projects.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO (THE SENATE CONCURRING):
WHEREAS, There are anti-competitive policies in some states 3 that constrain efforts to modernize and expand energy 4 transmission assets; and 5
WHEREAS, These policies have hindered infrastructure growth 6 and increased costs to ratepayers due to the noncompetitive 7 nature of the resulting transmission projects; and 8
WHEREAS, Some of the most popular anti-competitive laws 9 discriminate against out-of-state businesses, which may violate 10 the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution; and 11
WHEREAS, Market-led consumer demand for better products and 12 services has precipitated an increased need for power generation 13 in America; and 14
WHEREAS, To maintain a viable and growing American economy 15 and to ensure a secure and reliable power supply, the United 16 States must modernize and expand the transmission capacity of 17 our utility infrastructure in a way that is responsive to the 18 needs and demands of future economic growth and that of the 19 citizens of the respective states; now therefore be it 20
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 136th General 21 Assembly of the State of Ohio, urge the creation of an 22 interstate compact to allow for a competitive electric 23 transmission market to flourish in the best interest of the 24 electric ratepayer and the economy in general; and be it further 25
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 136th General 26 Assembly of the State of Ohio, also urge that the interstate 27 compact include various principles and policies, including 28
uniform applicability to all electric generation methods, 29
allocation of costs holistically to all beneficiaries without 30
targeting specific industries, equal applicability of the 31
compact to all states that enter into the compact, uniformity of 32
siting and certification processes, streamlining of permits and 33
reviews for adopting innovative grid-enhancing technologies, 34
opening the bidding process to interstate projects, eliminating 35
double permitting, and prioritizing the designation of co- 36
location superhighways for streamlined permitting and 37
coordinated infrastructure development when possible; and be it 38
further 39
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives 40 transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the 41 Governor and the Commissioners of the Public Utilities 42 Commission of Ohio. 43
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SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
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PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
I hereby certify that this resolution originated in the House of Representatives and is adopted in concurrence with the Senate.
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CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES