Scioto County Commissioners say they are encouraged by a growing wave of energy development across southern Ohio—even as details continue to unfold.
Commissioner Scottie Powell said the county had not yet received an official invitation to Friday’s high-profile event in Piketon, where federal and industry leaders are expected to discuss a proposed multi-billion-dollar energy project.
“We haven’t gotten an invite yet, but I’ve been told they’re working on it,” Powell said. “Either way, it’s exciting to see our area becoming an energy production hub for the nation.”
That sense of momentum was echoed by Commissioner Merit Smith, who said the current developments feel different from past conversations about economic growth.
“I’ve been around here a long time, and we’ve talked about things and talked about things,” Smith said. “Right now, we’re starting to see some real, concrete evidence that things are actually coming. It’s a really exciting time.”
Smith acknowledged that not everyone is comfortable with the rapid changes, especially with ongoing discussions about data centers and large-scale energy projects.
“There are people who don’t like change, and with change comes challenges,” he said. “But for once, we have the opportunity to be out in front instead of chasing opportunities. I think that’s great for our area.”
He added that local union workers he’s spoken with are especially optimistic.
“They’re excited,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of good things happening, and we’re working hard to keep that momentum going.”
Commissioner Will Mault struck a similar tone, acknowledging both the uncertainty and the potential.
“Sometimes the future is a little scary,” Mault said. “But that’s part of progress. And we are heading in the right direction.”
National Leaders Visiting Piketon
The comments come ahead of a major visit to Piketon on Friday, where Howard Lutnick, Chris Wright, and Doug Burgum are expected to tour the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
They will be joined by Masayoshi Son, as discussions continue around a proposed $33 billion natural gas “megaplant” that could be built in the region.
While many details remain unclear—including the exact location and timeline—the visit signals growing national interest in southern Ohio as a center for future energy production.
For local leaders, the message is simple: after years of waiting, the region may finally be seeing long-promised opportunities begin to take shape.