Balderson, Troy RSS Articles

House Passes Balderson Bill to Lower Energy Costs for Ohioans

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the bipartisan Load Forecasting Enhancement Act (H.R. 9332), led by Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12), chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT). The legislation will help protect ratepayers and strengthen grid planning as electricity demand continues to rise.

The United States is experiencing unprecedented growth in electricity demand, driven by expanding manufacturing, electrification, and emerging technologies. At the same time, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment warns that much of North America faces a growing risk of energy shortfalls over the next five years, with PJM, the regional transmission organization serving Ohio, classified as “high risk.”

“To protect Americans from higher electric bills and make sure our grid can keep up with rising demand, we need to plan ahead,” said Balderson. “The bipartisan Load Forecasting Enhancement Act gives states and utilities the tools they need to better understand future electricity demand and prepare for it. I applaud my House colleagues for supporting this practical legislation and helping make electricity reliable and affordable for Ohio families.”

The House today also passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 9340), legislation that ensures the companies building large-scale data centers are responsible for the electricity and grid infrastructure costs associated with powering them, rather than shifting those costs onto hardworking Americans.

This bill would require state utility commissions to consider large-load standards for data centers drawing more than 100 megawatts, helping ensure these facilities pay for the costs of the electricity they use. Together with the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, the legislation gives states and utilities better tools to plan for growing electricity demand while protecting families and small businesses from increased costs.

Load Forecasting Enhancement Act Background

The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act would direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to convene regional joint boards with state public utility commissions to study and identify best practices for electric load forecasting. The legislation would also require FERC to report its findings and recommendations to Congress and encourage states to consider adopting improved forecasting procedures to support reliable and affordable electric service.

In addition to directing FERC to develop recommendations for improving load forecasting, the legislation would amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) to encourage state consideration of those recommendations. The bill would also update the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to promote greater accuracy, oversight, and transparency in utility forecasting practices.

The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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Balderson Applauds EPA Announcement to Repeal Biden-Era Overreach and Unleash American Energy Dominance

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12), chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT), released the following statement after EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal of the “Clean Power Plan 2.0,” a Biden-era regulation aimed at prematurely retiring America’s most reliable power plants.

“The Biden-Harris Administration crafted the Clean Power Plan 2.0 for one reason only: to permanently eliminate coal and natural gas from America’s energy mix,” said Balderson. “Shortsighted, anti-energy policies like this drive up electricity costs for Ohio families and severely weaken our grid’s ability to keep up with growing power demand. I applaud President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for putting common sense first and leading Republicans’ effort to unleash American energy dominance.”

“For over 15 years, the Obama and Biden administrations implemented a war on coal to destroy reliable and affordable energy. The Trump Administration has come in to protect American energy and to make sure you can afford to keep the lights on,” Zeldin said in a statement. “Americans will see a decrease in electricity prices, but this is just the beginning. We are working to go even further so that American energy can be fully unleashed. Realizing the full potential of American energy means more jobs, lower prices, and a more prosperous America.”

The “Clean Power Plan 2.0,” finalized in May 2024, imposed impossible-to-meet emissions requirements on existing coal-fired and newly constructed natural gas-fired power plants. If left in place, this rule would have continued to raise energy costs and jeopardize power producers’ ability to keep the lights on for Ohio families and businesses.

Balderson led the introduction of a bill in January 2025 to nullify this rule and protect American baseload power production.

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Balderson, Husted, Moreno Back Disaster Declaration for Ohio Following Serious Storms

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12), along with Senators Jon Husted (R-OH) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), sent a letter today to President Donald Trump urging the swift approval of Governor Mike DeWine’s request for a major disaster declaration for Ohio following devastating storms and flooding that moved through state on August 10-23, 2026.

The letter backs the request made on September 2, 2026, by Governor Mike DeWine for a major disaster declaration covering Adams, Athens, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Darke, Fairfield, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Highland, Licking, Logan, Madison, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Preble, Richland, Shelby, and Washington Counties.

Federal assistance is necessary to supplement the efforts and resources available to the state, local governments and disaster relief organizations.

“We write in strong support of Governor Mike DeWine’s request for a major disaster declaration, which was submitted to FEMA Region V on September 2, 2026,” the lawmakers write. “Between August 10, 2026, and August 23, 2026, severe and extreme weather, including a derecho, tornadoes, and catastrophic flooding, spread across much of Ohio. These storms tragically resulted in two deaths, numerous injuries, left 300,000 Ohioans without power, and destroyed hundreds of homes, properties, and businesses belonging to our constituents.”

“We thank you for your administration’s rapid assistance and coordination to support the State of Ohio and Ohioans impacted by these devastating storms. We respectfully urge you to quickly approve the Governor’s request for a major disaster declaration for the State of Ohio to help our constituents begin the process of rebuilding,” the lawmakers concluded.

The letter requests a major disaster declaration for Ohio and activation of the following programs:

Individual Assistance Grant Program, including the Crisis Counseling Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and Disaster Case Management and Disaster Legal Services

FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program for direct federal assistance

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide

SBA Physical Damage Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans programs

This comes after the lawmakers sent a joint letter in August to FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton and U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler requesting they begin conducting damage assessments in Ohio as soon as possible due to the repetitive and ongoing storm impacts.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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UPDATE: Next Steps in Flood Recovery Efforts

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the devastating flooding in Perry, Muskingum, and Morgan counties, my priority is making sure residents, families, and businesses have the information and resources they need to recover.

I have been on the ground throughout the rescue, cleanup, and recovery efforts and remain in constant communication with local officials, the Ohio National Guard, the Governor’s Office, emergency management agencies, first responders, and those coordinating the response.

Like so many others, I continue sending food and other much-needed items to first responders and evacuees, in coordination with local leaders, to ensure resources get to where they are needed most. The generosity of neighbors, near and far, has been nothing short of remarkable during this very difficult time.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

While the federal disaster declaration process is still underway, it is important to document and report your damages now. This information helps local and state officials establish the extent of the disaster and the need for additional assistance.

If your home, business, farm, or property sustained damage:

Photograph and video all damage before making repairs whenever it is safe to do so.
Document your losses. Make a detailed list of damaged property, structures, vehicles, equipment, and personal belongings.
Save receipts for cleanup, temporary repairs, lodging, supplies, and other disaster-related expenses.
Report your damages to local emergency management officials so they can be included in the overall assessment.
- Perry County EMA: 740-342-1141
- Muskingum County EMA: 740-453-1655
- Morgan County EMA: 740-962-3900
Contact your insurance company and begin the claims process, if applicable.
Do not wait to make repairs necessary for safety and/or preventing further damage. Document the damage before and during repairs whenever possible.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Local and state officials are currently conducting damage assessments throughout the affected areas. Full assessments are expected to be completed by August 28 (Extended to Sept. 10th), after which the Governor is expected to formally request a federal disaster declaration.

Under federal law, FEMA major disaster assistance cannot be made available until the Governor submits a formal request and the President approves a disaster declaration.

The damage information collected now is therefore extremely important. It will help demonstrate the severity of the flooding and determine what types of federal assistance may become available.

If a federal disaster declaration is approved, we will provide additional information on who is eligible, what assistance is available, and how to apply through FEMA.

QUESTION OR CONCERNS?

Right now, our focus is helping people and allowing first responders and local officials to carry out recovery operations without unnecessary interference.

If you or your family need assistance, my office is working directly with local, state, and federal partners and will do everything possible to help connect residents with available resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

The impacted counties have demonstrated tremendous strength and resilience in the face of this disaster.

My entire team will continue working alongside these communities throughout the recovery process, and as long as it takes. If you or a loved one needs immediate assistance, please call my office at (614) 523-2555.

Troy Balderson
Member of Congress

What They Are Saying: House Committee Approves Balderson Bill to Strengthen Grid and Protect Ratepayers

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a full-committee markup featuring Congressman Troy Balderson's (OH-12) latest effort to lower costs for Ohioans and strengthen the long-term reliability of America’s growing electric grid.

Approved by a vote of 47-0, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act strengthens electric grid planning by giving states and utilities the tools they need to better project future power demand. Accurate load forecasting helps prevent the underbuilding of the electric infrastructure and generation needed to maintain grid reliability. Just as importantly, this bill also helps prevent the overbuilding of unnecessary electric infrastructure for speculative projects that can ultimately increase costs for ratepayers.

The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act would direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to convene regional joint boards with state public utility commissions to study and identify best practices for electric load forecasting. The legislation would also require FERC to report its findings and recommendations to Congress and require states to consider adopting improved forecasting procedures to support reliable, affordable electric service.

“Our nation is using more electricity each year, and for our grid to meet that growing demand, we need to know where infrastructure investments are needed to keep the lights on and keep America moving forward. By giving states and utilities the tools they need, we can ensure we expand and improve our grid as efficiently as possible—saving Ohio families money while boosting our nation's energy security,” said Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12), Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT).

“As the electric grid faces increased demand for the first time in decades, it’s so important we have engagement across all levels of government to ensure consumers, utilities, grid operators and policy makers have the best and most accurate information,” said Jenifer French, Chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

“Customers should not be forced to pay billions of dollars based on forecasts no one has seriously tested. Congressman Balderson’s bill takes an important step toward greater accuracy, transparency and accountability in load forecasting. Better forecasts will help protect reliability without allowing speculation to become a customer bill,” said Ryan Augsburger, President of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association.

“Accurate forecasts for electricity demand create the foundation for the energy industry to efficiently invest and build new assets to meet future demand. Deficiencies in these forecasts expose electricity customers to significant risks. Under forecasting demand introduces the possibility of capacity shortfalls. While over forecasting leads to unnecessary investment, and in regions without competitive energy markets, those inefficient investments become a financial albatross around the necks of ratepayers. The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act is a thoughtful and constructive step forward, and EPSA is grateful for Congressman Balderson's continued leadership and unwavering focus on electric grid reliability and affordability,” said Todd Snitchler, President & CEO of the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA).

“Meeting rising electricity demand requires smarter planning and grid management. Rep. Balderson's Load Forecasting Enhancement Act provides more support to states to improve load forecasting and plan grid investment accordingly. Modernizing how we forecast demand is a commonsense step toward a more reliable, affordable grid,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath Action

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House Passes Balderson's AADAPT Act to Improve Early Alzheimer's Detection and Care

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) applauded House passage of his Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act (AADAPT Act), H.R. 3747.

The legislation, co-led by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), strengthens and reauthorizes the Project ECHO program to help primary care providers better identify, diagnose, and manage Alzheimer's disease and other dementias—particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most significant public health challenges facing our country today,” said Balderson. “The sooner we can identify Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the sooner patients and families can begin treatment, plan for the future, and access the care and support they need. I’m grateful to my House colleagues for joining me in passing the AADAPT Act to help bring high-quality care to more Ohioans.”

“New treatments and new diagnostic tools are transforming what is possible for people living with Alzheimer’s,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and AIM president. “The AADAPT Act ensures that primary care providers across the country — especially in rural and underserved communities — have the resources they need to bring that progress to their patients. We thank the bipartisan champions of this legislation for helping make that possible.”

More than 7 million Americans—including more than 236,000 Ohioans—are living with Alzheimer's disease, and those numbers are expected to continue rising in the coming years. Because primary care providers are often the first health care professionals patients see when memory loss or cognitive decline begins, expanding access to specialized training can help improve early diagnosis and patient outcomes.

The AADAPT Act reauthorizes and strengthens the Project ECHO program, which connects primary care providers with specialists through virtual training, mentorship, and case-based learning. The program helps equip providers with the knowledge and confidence to identify potential cognitive impairment earlier, improve care coordination, and expand access to quality dementia care in communities that may lack specialty providers.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Balderson speaks on House floor in support of the AADAPT Act.

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Balderson Applauds Advancement of Key Grid Reliability Bill

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy advanced the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act (H.R. 9332), legislation introduced last week by Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) to help protect ratepayers and strengthen grid planning amid rapidly growing energy demand.

The United States is experiencing unprecedented growth in electricity usage, driven by expanding manufacturing, electrification, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. At the same time, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation's (NERC) 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment warns that much of North America faces a growing risk of energy shortfalls over the next five years, with PJM—the regional transmission organization serving Ohio—classified as “high risk.”

The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act would direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to convene regional joint boards with state public utility commissions to study and identify best practices for electric load forecasting. The legislation would also require FERC to report its findings and recommendations to Congress and encourage states to consider adopting improved forecasting procedures to support reliable, affordable electric service.

“Keeping the lights on starts with knowing how much power we'll need in the years ahead,” said Balderson. “Electricity demand is surging nationwide, and Congress is working to ensure our grid can keep pace while making energy affordable for families. This bipartisan bill will help states and utilities make better decisions and plan for future demand.”

In addition to directing FERC to develop recommendations for improving load forecasting, the legislation would amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) to encourage state consideration of those recommendations. The bill would also update the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to promote greater accuracy, oversight, and transparency in utility forecasting practices.

The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act now awaits consideration by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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Motorcycle Caucus Hosts Third Annual Ride to Work Day

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the Chairs of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, Representatives Troy Balderson (OH-12), Tim Walberg (MI-5), Donald Norcross (NJ-1), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-3) hosted the third annual Ride to Work Day at the U.S. Capitol to promote motorcycle awareness. They were joined by Reps. Warren Davidson (OH-8) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-3).

The Chairs released the following statement after the ride:

“s Chairs of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, it was an honor to host the third annual Ride to Work Day at the U.S. Capitol. As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, we are proud to recognize the millions of Americans who make up the motorcycling community and who embody the spirit of freedom and exploration that has defined our nation since its founding. Riding alongside fellow enthusiasts past the historic landmarks of Washington, D.C., serves as a powerful reminder of both our country’s rich heritage and the commitment we share in advocating for riders’ ability to safely and responsibly enjoy our open roads and off-road trails. Thank you to the U.S. Park Police and all the members and riders who participated in the event.”

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House Committee Unanimously Approves Balderson Health Bills

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously advanced two pieces of legislation led by Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) aimed at improving health care access, strengthening early intervention efforts, and expanding community-based care for young Ohioans.

The committee approved the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act (H.R.3747) and the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act (H.R.8209) during a committee markup, advancing both bills for potential consideration by the full House.

“Alzheimer’s disease and dementia continue to impact millions of families across the country, including more than 236,000 Ohioans,” said Balderson. “In many rural communities, primary care providers are on the front lines of dementia care but often lack consistent access to specialists and advanced training resources. The AADAPT Act helps address that challenge by giving providers the tools and clinical support they need to identify cognitive decline earlier, improve care coordination, and connect patients and families to treatment options sooner—regardless of where they live.”

By delivering specialized training directly to frontline health care providers, the AADAPT Act ensures that individuals and families facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis receive earlier support, more accurate information, and care that reflects their personal needs. The legislation helps close the diagnosis gap and reduce care disparities in rural communities.

The School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act renews federal support for school-based health centers that provide students with access to primary care, mental health services, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management directly at school.

School-based health centers reduce barriers to care, minimize missed classroom time, and keep students healthy and engaged in learning. The legislation reauthorizes continued federal support for these community-based services.

“School-based health centers help students and families access care in a convenient, familiar, and trusted setting,” said Balderson. “In many rural and underserved communities, provider shortages and transportation barriers can make it difficult for families to access timely pediatric and behavioral health services. Reauthorizing this program expands access to preventive care, mental health support, and early intervention services so students can stay healthy and be better positioned to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”

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An Ohio Energy Summit

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This article was originally published by WHIZ.

By Matt Morris

The energy sector is the state’s third largest industry and Ohio is taking measures to keep America’s energy supply abundant and affordable.

U.S. Senator Jon Husted and U.S. Congressman Troy Balderson made a quick stop in Zanesville to talk to area energy producers about measures that can be taken to decrease the obstacles that are preventing or delaying current and future energy development.

“We had a roundtable with a lot of the energy producers here in this state,” Husted said. “As you know the local economy really benefits from having oil and gas producers and all of the downstream investments that they make here. Everything from the people who get jobs as a result of it to the pipelines to the producers. All of those create a lot of jobs for this part of the state but they also provide energy to the rest of the state, which helps us keep our prices reasonable.”

The meeting centered around permitting reforms, which would ultimately streamline the permitting process to speed up developments and investments.

“So there was not only oil and gas producers here but there were also refineries representation here,” Balderson said. “Pipeline representation were here to represent but just talking about energy and… I think you know for this meeting from the standpoint that we… there was really nothing that we dove into directly. It was very broad… but just you know, talking about the demand that’s out there.”

As a rustbelt state, Ohio leaders are focused on bringing jobs back and see that the ability to provide a stable and affordable energy supply is a major incentive for businesses that are looking to relocate and expand.

Click here to read the original article published by WHIZ.