Senate bill allows local referendum on Ohio’s solar and wind energy projects
The Statehouse News Bureau|Dustan Tomlinson|June 2, 2021
Republican lawmakers are making changes to a bill that aims to empower local voters to reject nearby renewable energy projects. Ohio Senator says he is trying to strike a balance between local control and economic development.
Republican lawmakers are making changes to a bill that aims to empower local voters to reject nearby renewable energy projects. Ohio Senator says he is trying to strike a balance between local control and economic development.
Republican lawmakers are making changes to a bill that aims to empower local voters to reject nearby renewable energy projects. Ohio Senator says he is trying to strike a balance between local control and economic development.
Senate bill SB52 empowers county officials and voters to oppose proposed solar or wind energy projects or even hold a referendum.
Jeremy Kitson of Van Wirt County, Ohio’s largest wind farm, said the bill would give locals a say.
“It’s an understatement that we were ignored. This bill allows us to make compromises that we feel we can accept. We just increase transparency with the developers. I would like to make a more important and meaningful statement about development in our community, “he told Senate Kitson …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]Republican lawmakers are making changes to a bill that aims to empower local voters to reject nearby renewable energy projects. Ohio Senator says he is trying to strike a balance between local control and economic development.
Senate bill SB52 empowers county officials and voters to oppose proposed solar or wind energy projects or even hold a referendum.
Jeremy Kitson of Van Wirt County, Ohio’s largest wind farm, said the bill would give locals a say.
“It’s an understatement that we were ignored. This bill allows us to make compromises that we feel we can accept. We just increase transparency with the developers. I would like to make a more important and meaningful statement about development in our community, “he told Senate Kitson Energy and Utility Commission.
However, environmental groups, renewable energy developers and business groups say the bill is overkill and hinders clean energy and economic development.
Kathy Cowan Becker, Executive Director of Simply Living, said, “A large power location process if the project can be completed even after the project has been approved by the state by a small town vote. We don’t spend millions of dollars on it. “” As part of the Ohio Sustainable Business Council.
Republican sponsors say they are working with business groups to address their concerns.
On Tuesday, Senator Rob McColley (Republican-Napoleon) submitted a revised bill with changes to previous language regarding the process of opposition to the project.
“In my view, it has an important balance at a fairly early stage as to whether the project will proceed, but it also has a meaningful seat for the locals at the table of the OPSB (Ohio Commission) process. Please address some of their concerns, “McCorley said.
The Commission plans to pass the bill, but has decided to give legislators and stakeholders more time to consider new languages.
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