A Sierra Club billboard posted ouside the State House in Columbus on Tuesday, November 29th in Columbus.
COLUMBUS, November 30, 2016
This afternoon, the Ohio House Public Utilities Committee passed Am. Sub. House Bill 554, legislation that replaces the state’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards with unenforceable, voluntary goals, essentially extending the freeze on clean energy standards for an additional three years. Also, it appears the holidays are coming early for the state’s biggest polluters. Amendments offered at the last minute amounted to financial giveaways to Ohio utilities in the form of shared savings benefits without any public vetting or discussion. We urge the full House of Representatives to defeat the legislation should it come to the floor for a vote prior to the end of this General Assembly.
In response to the committee passage of the legislation, the following groups have provided quotes for use in coverage of today’s committee action:
Dick Munson, Director, Midwest Clean Energy, Environmental Defense Fund:
“Members of the House Public Utilities Committee had a choice: pass legislation that would help Ohio become a leader in the clean energy economy, or weaken our clean energy policy and watch as other states gain a competitive advantage. Unfortunately, Ohio policymakers opted for an easy out that will translate to lost jobs, as well as millions in lost savings and investment dollars.”
Laura Burns, Field Organizer, Moms Clean Air Force in Ohio:
“The members of Moms Clean Air Force are very disappointed that the House Public Utilities Committee rushed to pass a weakened energy policy for Ohio. By reducing the standards to unenforceable, voluntary goals, they are turning their backs on Ohio’s children who are counting on our policymakers to protect their health. Our clean energy future is far too important to develop on a deadline.”
Marnie Urso, Senior Program Manager, National Audubon Society:
“The National Audubon Society supports the reinstatement of Ohio’s clean energy standards, not this committee’s hasty attempt to craft a watered-down statewide energy plan. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are vital components to protecting Ohio’s birds and wildlife from the threat of climate change. Ohio’s leaders should drive an energy policy that moves our state forward, not in reverse.”
Frank Szollosi, Manager, National Wildlife Federation:
“Governor John Kasich and many in the General Assembly recognize that extending uncertainty around Ohio’s commitment to clean energy will only cost Ohio communities thousands of good-paying jobs, cleaner air, water and wildlife habitat, and hurt public health. Without question, SB 320 and HB 554 puts Ohio at a competitive disadvantage not just relative to Michigan and Indiana, but in the global race for $348.5 billion in clean energy investment. And it flies in the face of scientific consensus: we must reduce carbon emissions or prepare Ohio for the worst impacts of climate change which include more toxic algal blooms, more invasive species and damage to tourism, agriculture and public health.”
Samantha Williams, Staff Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council:
“Today’s vote by the Ohio House Public Utilities Committee is a vote to take billions of dollars out of the pockets of Ohio consumers and businesses by gutting standards that help save money on energy bills. While other states across the Midwest are gaining economic advantages by increasing energy efficiency measures, Ohio just tethered the state’s energy future to the equivalent of the horse and buggy.”
Rachael Belz, Executive Director, Ohio Citizen Action:
“In passing HB 554, the committee today chose to ignore the will of 20,000 Ohioans who see the end of the freeze as the beginning of our clean energy future. We hope Governor Kasich holds firm on his promise to veto any extension of the freeze.”
Trish Demeter, Managing Director of Energy Programs, Ohio Environmental Council:
“This sloppy legislation will result in untold electric bill increases and dirtier air for Ohio families. Ohio’s energy policies are an absolute mess thanks to the legislature, and this half-baked legislation will only make things worse. Ohioans deserve better than this. We need strong leadership in the House to get to work and put Ohio’s clean energy future back on track.”
Sarah Conley-Ballew, Executive Director, UpGrade Ohio:
“Ohioans across the state are demanding clean energy and passage of HB 554 is a step in the wrong direction. A renewable and energy efficiency standard is a market driver for both ratepayers and developers, and in order for Ohio to remain nationally competitive, the standards need to be reinstated. UpGrade Ohio supports the development of robust standards that moves at the speed of an emerging clean energy economy.”
