Gov. John Kasich Rolls Back Ohio’s Commitment to Clean Energy

Environment Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH – On Thursday, Gov. John Kasich signed SB310, a special interest-backed bill to undo Ohio’s historic commitment to clean energy. This major setback comes on the cusp of Ohio ramping up the state’s investment in local, sustainable, pollution-free energy. The bill halts Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency programs for at least two years, in addition to permanently gutting key provisions of the law that have led to its success.

Environment Ohio State Associate Christian Adams issued the following statement:

“Ohio’s clean energy law has worked for five years to encourage the development of clean, renewable energy in Ohio. After starting from almost nothing, we’re now generating enough renewable energy to power over 100,000 homes, and have saved Ohioans over a billion dollars on their electric bills through energy efficiency programs.

“That’s why it is incredibly disappointing to see this action from Governor Kasich, who has professed support for renewable energy since his energy summit in 2011. But actions speak louder than words, and at the end of the day, he sided with polluting industries rather than a commitment to cleaner air and a clean energy future for Ohio.

“We’ll continue working to bring clean energy to Ohio. Ohioans overwhelmingly support shifting away from polluting sources of energy and harnessing the power of the wind and the sun. And where there’s a will there’s a way.”