Letter from the Union of Concerned Scientists urging Governor John Kasich and members of the Ohio House of Representatives to oppose a proposal, SB 310, to freeze implementation of Ohio's renewable energy and energy efficiency standards. For more information about clean energy in Ohio, visit our blog: http://blog.ucsusa.org/tag/ohio
Original Title
Letter urging Ohio Governor John Kasich to oppose Senate Bill 310, support clean energy
Letter from the Union of Concerned Scientists urging Governor John Kasich and members of the Ohio House of Representatives to oppose a proposal, SB 310, to freeze implementation of Ohio's renewable energy and energy efficiency standards. For more information about clean energy in Ohio, visit our blog: http://blog.ucsusa.org/tag/ohio
Letter from the Union of Concerned Scientists urging Governor John Kasich and members of the Ohio House of Representatives to oppose a proposal, SB 310, to freeze implementation of Ohio's renewable energy and energy efficiency standards. For more information about clean energy in Ohio, visit our blog: http://blog.ucsusa.org/tag/ohio
Rife Center, 30 th Floor 77 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215-6117 CC: Members of the Ohio House of Representatives
Dear Governor Kasich, Since the start of 2013, the Union of Concerned Scientists has delivered to your office and to members of the Ohio General Assembly nearly 5,500 messages and petition signatures from Ohioans who support the Buckeye States renewable energy and energy efficiency standards and oppose any legislation that would halt their implementation. 1
Our supporters in Ohio include thousands of concerned citizens, many of whom are scientists, economists, engineers, and public health experts at Ohios top colleges and universities. 2 We join together in support of a common goal to put rigorous, independent science and analysis to work advocating for innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. We urge you to demonstrate your support for clean energy in Ohio by opposing Senate Bill 310. State lawmakers made the right choice in 2008 when they voted in bipartisan fashion to enact Ohio's policy requiring utilities to provide 12.5 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, and reduce energy demand 22 percent through energy efficiency programs by 2025.
1 For example, see our petition submitted to the governors office and members of the Ohio General Assembly in December 2013 and the open letter signed by more than 30 Ohio economists, scientists, engineers and public health experts with expertise in clean energy: http://search- prod.lis.state.oh.us/cm_pub_api/api/unwrap/chamber/130th_ga/ready_for_publication/committee_docs /cmte_h_pub_util_1/submissions/dc8e2566-6714-4516-acf9- 0e3e043b7476/unionofconcernedscientists_hb302letter_12.11.13.pdf http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Open-Statement-for-Ohio-PUC-Hearing- June-18-2013.pdf Ohio's renewable energy and energy efficiency standards are working and must not be weakened or rolled back. Renewable energy generation in the Buckeye State has more than tripled since 2008, and Ohioans are benefiting from downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices and reduced pollution. 3 Analysis of utilities own reports to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio confirm energy efficiency programs are saving consumers money. 4
With coal and natural gas prices projected to rise, maintaining Ohio's current renewable energy and energy efficiency standards is crucial to protecting consumers from the economic, environmental, and public health risks of dependence on fossil fuels. 5
Please oppose Senate Bill 310 so that Ohios clean energy standards can continue to manufacture benefits for all Ohioans. Ohios journey to a clean energy future is just getting underway. Sincerely, Steve Frenkel Midwest office director Union of Concerned Scientists
3 Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. 2013. Renewable Resources and Wholesale Price Suppression. http://www.ohioadvancedenergy.org/files/dmfile/1308-Renewable-Resources-and-Wholesale-Price- Suppression1.pdf 4 Ohio Advanced Energy Economy. 2014. Ohios clean energy law generating proven savings for Ohio Consumers. http://ohioadvancedenergy.org/ohios-clean-energy-law-generating-proven-savings-ohio- consumers/ 5 Union of Concerned Scientists. 2013. Managing Risk in Ohio: The Role of Clean Energy in a Reliable, Diverse Power Supply. www.ucsusa.org/ohioenergymix