May 28, 2014 – The Ohio State House passed SB 310 in a historic 53-38 vote today. SB 310, touted as a pro-consumer, pro-business bill, weakens Ohio’s existing Alternative Energy Portfolio, calling it too expensive for Ohio ratepayers. This despite analysis that shows the actual cost to Ohio ratepayers is likely less than $5 per household per year. Instead, SB 310, freezes the current standards in place through 2016 and allows all of Ohio’s renewable energy requirement to be met by facilities located in Ohio and bordering states. Should Ohio Governor Kasich sign SB 310, (the bill passed the Ohio Senate on May 8, 2014), Ohio ratepayers will subsidize renewable energy in other states, without any state-level guarantee for renewable energy in Ohio itself.
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Regardless of your sentiments about renewable energy, SB 310 is overtly anti-ratepayer and bad for renewable energy jobs in Ohio. This is a step back for Ohio’s renewable energy economy and sends a clear signal to the business community that Ohio’s commitments are not to be trusted.
SB 310 will be immediately sent to Governor Kasich’s desk to sign a day after his office launched a new OhioMeansJobs website. Kasich’s decision to veto or sign SB 310 will test the meaning of his commitment to Ohio’s economic future.
If you are an Ohio resident, please contact Governor Kasich’s office and let him know your opinion.
Governor Kasich
Phone Number: (614) 466-3555
Complete List of Kasich Office Staffers’ Names and Contact Information
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