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Ohio's leaked bill draft would permit electric utilities like FirstEnergy and AEP to own nuclear power plants. This proposal emerges during a corruption trial linked to House Bill 6, which involved a $65 million scheme benefiting FirstEnergy's nuclear assets.

The new legislation, potentially sponsored by Rep. Adam Mathews, emphasizes nuclear energy as a priority, aiming to address Ohio's energy deficit. Critics, including government watchdogs, express concerns over transparency and the potential for utility companies to shift costs to consumers.

The bill includes provisions for a streamlined approval process and suggests a 20-year upfront cost structure for large users. The involvement of AEP in drafting the bill raises ethical questions amid ongoing scrutiny of utility practices.