Republican Governors in Ohio and Michigan this week acted to save and expand energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in their states.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich Tuesday vetoed legislation-- House Bill 554-- that would have made energy efficiency standards optional and freeze its renewable energy portfolio standard targets at current levels.  His veto message reads in part--

“Over the past six years, Ohio has enjoyed the most improved business climate in the nation.  Job creators have attributed their reasons for expanding, growing and creating jobs in Ohio to, among other things, our state’s stable fiscal health, jobs-friendly tax climate and sound regulatory policies-- as well as our state’s wide range of energy general options.

“House Bill 554 risks undermining this progress by taking away some of those energy generation options, particularly the very options most prized by the companies poised to create many jobs in Ohio in the coming years, such as high technology firms.

“The bill would also deal a setback to efforts that are succeeding in helping businesses and homeowners reduce their energy costs through increased efficiency.

“In fact, according to the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, an organization to which many of our electric utilities belong, energy efficiency investments made between 2009-2012 alone have yielded $1.03 billion in savings to date and will result in $4.15 billion in lifetime savings thanks to the state’s existing energy efficiency standards.

“Furthermore, House Bill 554 sidelines some energy options at a time when Ohio can already meet many renewable energy generation standards in current law.”

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation into law on December 21 increasing that state’s renewable energy portfolio standard goals by 5 percent to 15 percent by 2022.

The law also--

-- Sets of goal of meeting 35 percent of the state’s energy needs through waste reduction and renewable sources by 2025;

-- Drops a proposed charge for energy customers participating in net metering programs;

-- Lifts caps on energy efficiency incentives; and

-- Allows utilities to use on-bill financing programs to fund energy efficiency projects.

NewsClips:

UPI: Ohio Keeps Renewable Energy Standards

OH Governor Vetoes GOP Bill, Saves Renewable Energy Standards

Gov. Snyder Signs Historic Energy Plan Into Law

Gov. Snyder Signs Landmark Legislation Reforming Statewide Energy Policy

Electricity Prices In U.S. Have Their Worst Year Ever Due To Cheap Natural Gas, Renewables

Solar Panels Now So Cheap Manufacturers Probably Selling At Loss

New Jersey Tired Of Seeing Environmental Penalty Funds Used To Balance Budget

Related Story:

Pennsylvania Breaks Into Top 10 States In Energy Efficiency Jobs

[Posted Dec. 28, 2016]

1/2/2017