Ohio House Speaker “Hopeful” Trump Will Empower States on Energy Policy

COLUMBUS, OH – January 17, 2025 — Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman expressed optimism this week that the incoming Trump administration will provide states with more flexibility and authority in determining how they produce and manage their electricity.

“I’m hopeful the federal government under President Trump eases up on the ability of Ohio and other states to decide how we power our grids,” Huffman said, signaling a strong desire for state autonomy in energy matters.

The Speaker’s comments came as he outlined his legislative priorities for the year, placing energy production firmly at the top of the list. He noted that Ohio’s outdated models of energy creation, distribution, and pricing require urgent attention and modernization to meet the growing demands of industry and consumers alike.

Reflecting this focus, both Speaker Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley have taken a bold step by establishing dedicated energy committees in their respective chambers. The move underscores a coordinated legislative push to reimagine the state’s energy strategy in a way that emphasizes reliability, affordability, and energy sovereignty.

While details of the Trump administration’s energy agenda are still emerging, Speaker Huffman’s remarks suggest that Ohio lawmakers are preparing to leverage any new federal flexibility to advance state-specific solutions. For Huffman and McColley, this could include policy reforms that encourage domestic energy development, support next-generation technologies, and reduce regulatory barriers that have constrained Ohio’s energy sector.

As national and global interest in energy independence and grid resilience intensifies, Ohio appears poised to position itself at the forefront of the debate—reasserting the right of states to shape their own energy destinies.

Ohio Speaker of the House Matt Huffman pictured (left) and Ohio Senate President Rob McColley pictured (right)