Today, Governor Taft signed HB 251 into law, taking a significant
step toward furthering the development of Ohio’s wind energy resources.
Ohio has substantial wind
resources along the glacial ridges in central Ohio,
across the farmlands of northwest Ohio, as
well as on and off the shores of Lake Erie.
These wind resources could power over one million Ohio homes within the next decade.
“Ohio’s
technological know-how, manufacturing base, and wind energy potential are a
recipe for a clean energy future,” stated Amy Gomberg, Environmental Advocate
with Environment Ohio. “Powering Ohio with our
homegrown wind power will make Ohio
more energy independent. It will also
create more jobs, boost our economy and reduce air pollution.”
Representative Uecker’s (R-66) HB 251 passed with unanimous
support in both the House and the Senate in December. The bill creates flexibility
within the newly renamed Advanced Energy Fund that will foster the continued
development of renewable energy in Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Development can now use the Fund to award more grants,
loans, and other incentives that will help Ohioans develop renewable energy
projects throughout the state.
“This is another stepping stone towards harnessing Ohio’s significant wind
energy resources,” stated Gomberg.
Ohio is lagging behind many
other states having developed only 7 MW of installed wind capacity in Bowling Green, Ohio
providing electricity to approximately 2,000 homes. Many other states have implemented additional policies,
such as a renewable energy standard, that help to develop renewable energy.
“I look forward to
Governor-elect Strickland and Ohio’s
legislative leaders continuing this momentum to build a cleaner energy future
for Ohio”
said Gomberg.
