Ohio Senator Faces Ethics Complaint Over Oil and Gas Ties, No Action Taken by Ethics Committee
The Joint Legislative Ethics Committee (JLEC) in Ohio has not taken any action on an ethics complaint filed against Senator Brian Chavez. The complaint, submitted by Washington County for Safe Drinking Water, alleged that Chavez failed to disclose financial ties to several oil and gas companies in 2023 and 2024. Chavez, who chairs the Ohio Senate Energy Committee, is also involved in a business that bids on government contracts to seal abandoned oil and gas wells. The environmental group sought Chavez's recusal from injection well legislation and his removal as Senate Energy chair. Despite the 14-day window for action, JLEC, composed of six GOP and six Democratic lawmakers, has not confirmed or denied the allegations. Chavez has dismissed the complaint as a publicity stunt. 
