Columbus, OH - Today, Representative Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) and Senator Rob McColley (R- Napoleon) unveiled a new bill that will allow communities to put the fate of wind turbine projects on the ballot. This legislation takes ultimate approval away from the Ohio Power Siting Board and places it in the hands of townships.
The following statement can be attributed in full or in part to Miranda Leppla, advocate for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund:
“The OEC Action Fund is currently reviewing the legislation proposed by Rep. Reineke and Sen. McColley. The Bill will make the future of wind energy in Ohio, which is already badly handicapped, even more uncertain, as this bill allows for townships to choose to reject wind projects after they’ve spent millions of dollars and been through the approval process at the Ohio Power Siting Board. The OPSB’s rigorous certification process is the appropriate place to determine whether a wind project should be approved.
“Neighboring states are moving toward a more sustainable, renewable energy future as they double down on a path toward more diversified energy portfolios. We know that a majority of Ohioans support renewable energy projects as a way to fight against the negative impacts of climate change on our communities. However, our state’s failure to embrace new ideas and technologies has created major challenges and nearly stalled renewable energy progress.”