COLUMBUS — “Now that Ohio’s Senate and House have sent an ideologically-driven bill, HB 554, to Gov. John Kasich’s desk that would further delay implementation of the state’s popular clean energy standards (and weaken them, too), the governor has until Dec. 28 to do the smart thing for his state’s economy and the wellbeing of Ohioans: Veto it.
That’s what Ohio citizens (including conservatives) and the businesses that employ them overwhelmingly want, including national players like Nestle, Campbell’s Soup, the Gap and the world’s largest manufacturer of energy efficient appliances, Whirlpool.
There are many good reasons why businesses are weighing in. The clean energy standards—which were frozen two years ago in another ill-advised legislative attempt to delay progress, and will resume on Jan. 1 if Gov. Kasich vetoes this bill—mean more good jobs for residents. They also represent a draw for the growing number of employers who want to locate their companies in states where they can readily achieve their own corporate sustainability goals.
The standards have also succeeded (and will continue if they’re allowed to reinstate) in lowering energy bills for residents and businesses, factories, and farms. They ensure Ohio’s kids cleaner air to breathe. They improve public health. And, of course, they’re a vital hedge against dangerous climate change.”
— Samantha Williams, Natural Resources Defense Council, guest commentary, EcoWatch
link to full commentary
