The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus (Credit: Ohio Department of Development).
COLUMBUS — “The Ohio House of Representatives voted last month to slash standards protecting renewable energy, spurring concern from local climate change experts.
In order to pass House Bill 114, the Ohio House of Representatives asserted renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, no longer needed the assistance of the government to support the industries.
‘This will undoubtedly slow the growth of renewables in Ohio and make it harder for renewable energy sources to compete with traditional, ecologically hazardous energy sources,’ Sarah Pinter, the 2016-17 Student Senate environmental affairs commissioner, said.
H.B. 114 makes all former mandates voluntary after the law was created nine years ago to protect renewable energy production. In 2026, the renewable energy goals will be erased from law altogether.
The 65-29 vote included three Republicans joining Democrats to oppose the bill.”
— Abbey Marshall, Athens Post
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