Ricky Junquera, 617.599.7048, ricky.junquera@sierraclub.org
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio House of Representatives just passed House Bill 114, which is eerily similar to legislation vetoed by Governor Kasich in December 2016. The legislation dramatically weakens utility requirements to conduct energy efficiency programs, which have been proven to provide big savings for customers, while also making renewable energy requirements completely voluntary.
In response to today's news, Jennifer Miller, Director of the Sierra Club's Ohio Chapter, released the following statement:
“This is clearly a step backwards for Ohioans. Ohioans of all political persuasions support clean energy investments that create jobs, save customers money, and reduce pollution.
In 2017 alone, the Clean Energy Standards will prevent approximately 2,230 asthma attacks, 120 emergency room visits, and 230 heart attacks. The economic impact is also clear; every dollar spent by utilities on energy efficiency is saving customers at least $1.90 on their energy bills.
The Ohio House’s obsession with archaic energy policy ignores the enormous job potential in the clean energy industry. While Ohio remains a leader in clean energy jobs, Michigan and Indiana are experiencing faster job growth in the clean-tech sector since the Ohio legislature began fooling around with Ohio’s clean energy progress.
There are investments in clean energy jobs already moving forward in Ohio, with AEP focused on creating jobs in Southeast Ohio that employ military veterans. Passing this bill indicates that the state is closed for projects like AEP’s that move Ohio’s energy economy forward.
Sierra Club Ohio calls upon the Ohio Senate and the Governor to deny these short-sighted efforts to tie our state to old, dirty, and expensive forms of energy. It is time for Ohio to become an international leader in the burgeoning clean energy economy and to protect public health at the same time.”