AFP-OH Applauds Private Investment Keeping Nuclear Power Online Without Taxpayer Bailouts

Jan 9, 2026 by AFP

Columbus, OH — Americans for Prosperity-Ohio (AFP-OH) today applauded the announcement from Vistra outlining a new private-sector partnership with Meta to support the continued operation, modernization, and expansion of nuclear generation in Ohio, without relying on taxpayer subsidies or ratepayer-funded bailouts.

This agreement proves that taxpayer bailouts are not the only option. When markets are allowed to function, the private sector can deliver reliable, emissions-free power without shifting costs onto families or the state. The project is fully funded by Vistra and Meta, with no costs borne by residential customers, other large energy users, or Ohio taxpayers.

AFP-OH State Director Donovan O’Neil said:

“For years, Ohioans were told taxpayer bailouts were the only way to keep nuclear plants running. This announcement proves the opposite. The private sector is stepping up to modernize, operate, and expand nuclear generation without relying on taxpayer dollars or shifting costs onto residential customers.”

AFP-OH also emphasized the importance of House Bill 15 in restoring confidence in Ohio’s energy policy framework and ending the state’s reliance on subsidies to prop up generation.

AFP-OH Legislative Director Hannah Kubbins said:

“House Bill 15 ended the taxpayer-funded subsidies that distorted Ohio’s energy market and sent a clear message that the state would no longer pick winners and losers. By closing the door on those bailouts, lawmakers created the certainty needed for private investment to step in and keep reliable nuclear power online without government support.”

Americans for Prosperity-Ohio will continue advocating for energy policies that strengthen grid reliability, encourage innovation, and protect Ohio families from unnecessary costs.