The “Ohio Nuclear Development Authority Local Consent Referendum Act” establishes a framework in the Ohio Revised Code allowing counties to formally consent to doing business with the Ohio Nuclear Development Authority (ONDA) through a public referendum. It also provides for a second referendum on projects involving nuclear materials, ensuring transparency and local participation. The legislation outlines specific procedural safeguards—such as public hearings, advance notice, and accurate ballot language—designed to reinforce public trust and informed consent.
Purpose and Strategic Value
Market Signaling: County referenda serve as powerful tools for signaling to private industry, federal agencies, and capital markets that communities are open to advanced nuclear development and clean energy infrastructure.
Community-Led Development: This approach allows local populations to determine whether and how they wish to participate in ONDA-led projects, ensuring respect for regional autonomy while enabling forward-looking energy development.
Transparency & Trust: Built-in requirements for public hearings, truthful ballot language, and advanced notice reinforce public trust and democratic accountability.
Why It Aligns with Broader State and Federal Objectives
This legislation complements Ohio's broader legislative package, which aims to develop carbon-negative technologies and achieve energy independence. It reinforces federal goals outlined in recent Trump administration energy executive orders—promoting domestic nuclear development, securing energy sovereignty, and ending reliance on unreliable, foreign-controlled energy inputs.
Benefits to Ohio Legislators and Their Constituents
Zero Fiscal Impact: No direct cost to the state; referenda are initiated locally and during general elections.
Political Cover: Enables legislators to advance nuclear development by deferring controversial decisions to local democratic processes.
Incentivizes Investment: Counties with referendum approval will likely receive preference for siting advanced nuclear and waste-to-energy projects, bringing jobs, tax revenue, and infrastructure upgrades.
Environmental Stewardship: Positions Ohio to lead the nation in safely and transparently deploying next-generation clean energy technologies that consume waste, not just store it.
Bottom Line
This is a commonsense, pro-market, pro-local control policy that invites innovation while respecting community choice. It gives counties a clear, democratic voice—without expanding government mandates or spending—and opens the door for transformative infrastructure development in Ohio. Legislators who value local input, market certainty, and energy innovation should support this legislation.
