Kasich's decision has sparked some serious outrage:Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) is expected to sign a bill into law this weekend freezing his state's renewable energy standard (RES) for two years, marking a victory for conservative state legislators and some industries that have opposed the policies.While the bill (S.B. 310) would not eliminate the RES, it would put the brakes on rules that mandate annual energy efficiency upgrades and encourage the growth of renewable energy. Provisions favoring in-state generation and a carve-out for solar energy would be permanently scrapped.
It will be the first time any of the 29 states with an RES or similar program has acted to put those laws on hold.
While the bill passed the Ohio House and Senate by wide margins, opposition from environmental groups, the renewable energy sector and a number of major industries has been strong. The RES remains popular among the public, as well, according to at least one poll.
And the RES has the support of some legislators, like state Rep. Debbie Phillips (D). In a statement made shortly after casting her vote against the bill in the House of Representatives, she said that the law would take Ohio backward.
"First, S.B. 310 has the potential to raise rates for customers, second, it would hurt a fast-growing industry in Ohio, and finally, it would move us in the wrong direction in terms of addressing climate change," she said. - E & E Publishing, LLC, 6/13/14
And Ed FitzGerald (D. OH) is making this a big issue on the campaign trail:Consumer, business and environmental coalitions fought the passage of Senate Bill 310 for months, arguing that the annually tightening efficiency rules have saved more money than they cost and that the renewable mandates had led to more than $1 billion in investments in the state.On Friday, they were sharply critical of the governor, with whom they had pleaded during the past several weeks to veto the measure, to force lawmakers to draw up a less Draconian measure.
Some based their criticisms on environmental concerns, others on air quality fears, while others questioned the timing of the legislation, given that federal regulators are taking aim at carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
"By signing SB 310 into law today, Gov. Kasich sent the clear message that he is stepping away from his platform of a broad energy portfolio. As people of faith, it's our moral obligation to care for all of creation," said Sara Ward, director of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light, an interdenominational coalition. "The short-term thinking of this hypocrisy only serves a few special interests."
David Scott, board president of the National Sierra Club, was also sharply critical. "This reckless step backward gives Ohioans fewer energy choices, fewer jobs, and dirtier air," he said "As even Lake Erie shows adverse impacts from climate disruption, as respected scientific bodies warn we must cut carbon pollution now, this is grossly irresponsible."
The American Lung Association said it was "extremely disappointed" with Kasich's decision. "By preventing any further clean energy progress, this legislation will unnecessarily leave millions of Ohio citizens at risk from the negative health effects related to additional power plant emissions."
The National Wildlife Federation said Kasich and lawmakers "picked winners and losers in our state, and they picked the wrong side. They pitted consumers, public health, and further clean energy investment against utilities, with polluters coming out on top. As a result, Ohio will now be less competitive. At a time when other states are attracting clean energy manufacturing jobs and investment, they just closed Ohio for business."
And the organization, Moms Clean Air Force in Ohio, claiming 10,000 members, said Kasich's acceptance of the bill was "short-sighted" and would "not only jeopardize Ohio's clean energy economy and increase consumer rates, but it is a complete dismissal of the children who struggle every day with asthma and other lung diseases."
The Natural Resources Defense Council, which has fought against similar measures limiting renewable and efficiency standards in other states, predicted Ohio would soon revisit the issue.
"Energy efficiency and renewable energy are the biggest tools in cost-effectively reaching the U.S. EPA's new carbon pollution goals," said NRDC attorney Samantha Williams. "Once decision makers digest the new clean power plan, they are going to have to reopen the toolbox that this law essentially shuts."
The Ohio Environmental Council said the freeze means Ohio will see "dirtier air, higher electric bills and lost jobs and investment: These are the new 'dividends' in store for Ohio from this major divestiture in clean energy," said Trish Demeter, the council's managing director of energy and clean air programs.
Cheryl Roberto, associate vice president of the Environmental Defense Fund, and a former member of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, also decried Kasich's decision to sign the bill.
"The bill that the governor signed can only be viewed as a step backwards for the state. Senate Bill 310 dismantles existing policy that is attracting new energy innovation, investment and jobs to the state and providing documented savings. Ohioans deserve better." - The Plain Dealer, 6/13/14
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I think this is a very smart move because FitzGerald is using an issue that is highly popular and can make the argument that not only is Kasich putting Ohio's environment at risk but also the state's economy. Now right now, Kasich has a big lead over FitzGerald in terms of fundraising:"There really was a bipartisan consensus in this state that it made sense to support the encouragement of clean and renewable energy," said FitzGerald, reflecting on the near-unanimity on renewable energy and energy efficiency standards when they were passed into law in 2008.The new law, SB 310, which passed the legislature last month, freezes the mandated increases in renewables and efficiency for two years, then reduces the standards when they come back into effect.
"In a state that's had a very mediocre economic recovery, this is going to cost jobs and that's something people in Ohio are very sensitive about," said FitzGerald, now the county executive of Cuyahoga County. He previously served as an assistant county prosecutor and special agent for the FBI.
Ohio has 25,000 jobs in renewables and energy efficiency, according to a 2012 report from the Advanced Energy Economy Institute. A March 2013 analysis from the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Ohio fifth in the U.S. in manufacturing, construction and other jobs that "produce goods and provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources." Another report, from the Natural Resources Defense Council environmental group, estimated that the energy efficiency provisions that the state passed in 2008 would create 32,300 additional jobs by 2025.
That's a major reason why the rollback bill generated opposition from not just environmentalists, but from some industry groups. The Ohio Manufacturers' Association and the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel were among the opponents. Honda, one of the largest employers in the state, also opposed it. Last week, 51 companies and 21 groups sent a letter to Kasich urging him not to sign the bill into law.
FitzGerald has said he will make it an issue in the campaign.
"There are parts of Ohio [where] you can see wind turbines literally as far as the eye can see," said FitzGerald. "There is a real wind industry here that's in its early stages. There's a solar industry here in its early stages. And if you were a company that was on the borderline about whether or not you're going to invest in Ohio, or some other place, you just got a very strong message to stay out."
FitzGerald criticized the way the bill was passed, arguing that it was rushed through before most people even knew what was in it. "I think most people are certainly supportive of clean and renewable energy and the state having standards that support that," he said. "I don't think most people are aware of it." - Huffington Post, 6/13/14
But the Big Dog might be able to give FitzGerald a boost:Gov. John Kasich likely has more cash in his campaign war chest at this time in the race than any previous Ohio gubernatorial candidate with $9.33 million, according to his latest fundraising filing.The statistic sounds great for the incumbent governor, and bad for Democratic nominee Ed FitzGerald, but Kasich was already likely to break what was thought to be the record for June filings set by former Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland ($7.7 million) in 2010. Kasich had $8.5 million in April, and in the last several weeks raised about $2 million to increase his already sizable lead over FitzGerald.
The Democrat has $1.9 million on hand after raising $860,000, failing to make a dent in the $7 million advantage Kasich carried over him in April. All candidates for statewide office are required to disclose their latest fundraising number by 4 p.m. today.
Among Kasich’s contributors was David Koch of the conservative, energy-conglomerate Koch Industries, who contributed the maximum $12,155. Kasich also received a $500,000 infusion from the Ohio Republican Party’s state candidate fund.
FitzGerald’s top 13 individual contributors were unions, including the firefighters’ teachers’ and United Auto Workers’ state committees, which all contributed $12,155. The Ohio Democratic Party infused $117,500 into FitzGerald’s coffers. - Columbus Dispatch, 6/13/14
Democrats have been able to beat heavily funded Republicans before and we can do it again. We just have to get our base out to the polls. Lets give FitzGerald a hand by donating and getting involved with his campaign:Ohio Democrats, eager to capitalize on one of the party's best fundraisers, will host former President Bill Clinton at their state dinner Friday.Clinton will deliver the keynote address at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair.
Candidates for statewide office, including gubernatorial hopeful Ed FitzGerald, also are expected to speak. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. Northeast Ohio Media Group politics writer Henry J. Gomez will cover the speeches live in the comments section.
Clinton remains a top draw in Democratic politics, and his wife, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is seen as the party's presidential frontrunner in 2016.
The Ohio Democratic Party's annual state dinner is a huge money draw. General admission tickets cost $150, and VIP packages sold for up to $2,500. More than 2,300 are expected to turn out, reports the Associated Press. - Northeast Ohio Media Group, 6/13/14
