Legislation will further discourage renewable energy development in Ohio
Columbus, OH — The Ohio House voted early Tuesday morning to approve Amended Substitute Senate Bill 52 (SB 52), and subsequently, the Ohio Senate concurred on the House-made changes to the bill. Despite amending the bill, the version of SB 52 that passed is only marginally better—it will still discourage renewable energy development in the Buckeye State and harm our ability to fight back against the worst impacts of climate change. You can find OEC Action Fund’s most recent opponent testimony to the initial legislation here.
The following statement on this news can be attributed in full or part to Trish Demeter, Chief of Staff for the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“Ohioans overwhelmingly support the transition to a clean, renewable energy future. But today, Ohio lawmakers voted to stifle renewable energy development in the Buckeye State once again.
“The process laid out in SB 52 singles out solar and wind as the only sources of energy generation subject to local processes and approvals, despite extensive opportunity for public comment and careful, required review by the Ohio Power Siting Board. This unequal treatment hobbles our state’s ability to harness all the benefits of clean energy. As a result, air pollution will continue to harm Ohio families, we will continue to miss out on new tax revenue for Ohio communities, and we will fail to grow renewable energy careers— among the fastest growing job markets nationally—here in Ohio.
“Ohio must end its attack on renewable energy and embrace the clean energy marketplace that is becoming the standard nationally. Otherwise, we shirk our responsibility to act quickly to climate change, and Ohio gets left behind.
“The OEC Action Fund remains strongly opposed to SB 52 and calls on Gov. DeWine to veto the bill”
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The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy.
Press Inquiries? Please contact ebacha@theoec.org