The bill amends section 4929.02 of the Revised Code and enacts new sections 4929.51, 4929.52, 4929.53, 4929.55, 4929.57, and 4929.59 to facilitate the offering of carbon offsets by competitive retail natural gas service suppliers. 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 procedures for customer participation.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that no costs related to the carbon offset programs can be incurred by natural gas companies or non-participating customers. It also allows the public utilities commission to audit these programs to ensure compliance and proper application of carbon offsets. The existing section 4929.02 is repealed, indicating a significant update to the regulatory framework governing natural gas services in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4929.02