The bill amends section 4929.02 of the Revised Code and enacts new sections 4929.51 through 4929.59 to facilitate the offering of carbon offsets by competitive retail natural gas service suppliers in Ohio. The amendments to section 4929.02 include the addition of new policies aimed at ensuring that environmental marketing claims related to carbon offsets are substantiated and that accurate information about their environmental impact is available to consumers. The new sections define key terms such as "carbon offset" and "carbon offset registry," and outline the requirements for retail natural gas suppliers to establish voluntary carbon offset programs, including agreements with carbon offset registries and the submission of notices to the public utilities commission.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that these voluntary carbon offset programs must not impose costs on natural gas companies or customers who do not participate. It also includes provisions for customer opt-in and opt-out procedures, as well as the possibility for the public utilities commission to conduct audits of these programs to ensure compliance and proper application of carbon offsets. The existing section 4929.02 is repealed, reflecting the updated regulatory framework for natural gas services in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4929.02
As Reported By Senate Committee: 4929.02