Greg Lawson from The Buckeye Institute joins us and we have some serious talk about Ohio’s energy policy and other items the institute has on the radar.

When it comes to energy, Greg fills us in on his latest co-authored paper from The Buckeye Institute. It’s no secret Ohio’s got some big energy needs now, especially with tech giants like Intel and Amazon setting up shop. Greg’s big on small modular reactors (SMRs), which sounds pretty sci-fi but could actually be the answer to our growing power needs. These could be placed near the new data centers to ease the load on the grid!

We ask about the potential hurdles of private companies running their own nuclear setups. Greg admits it’s a maze of regulations, but he’s hopeful for some streamlining ahead, especially with the new administration.

We also touch on the broader picture of energy policy – keeping things market-based and avoiding playing favorites with subsidies. Greg’s all about letting the best tech win out naturally.

And it wasn’t just all about energy. Greg talks about Ohio’s higher education system, pointing out the need for faster, more efficient degree programs that won’t leave students buried in debt. The Buckeye Institute has ideas like making universities share some of the risk on student loans, which could push them to offer more practical, job-ready degrees. 

We also touch on…

Education Choice and Vouchers

Universal Vouchers and School Choice
Ohio’s universal EdChoice program is evaluated with enthusiasm for its potential to fund students directly rather than perpetuating a bureaucratic public school system. Greg suggests the importance of ensuring physical and logistical capacity for school choice expansion.

Challenges with Transportation and Capacity
Greg acknowledges the logistical challenge of transportation and utilizing existing underused school buildings, advocating for rationalized solutions that leverage current structures more efficiently.

Legal Advocacy and Amicus Briefs

Union Membership Rights

Greg explains the significance of the Sheldon case in addressing the rights of public sector employees to disengage from union membership without facing unfair financial penalties. This ties into the broader theme of advocating for individual freedoms within public institutions.

Eminent Domain Issues

We last discuss the eminent domain case involving the seizure of private property for public use, critiquing the precedent set by previous rulings and emphasizing individual property rights.