New Ohio Bill Could Slow Renewable Energy Projects

COLUMBUS, OH — Establishing new renewable energy projects in Ohio became tougher this week when Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 52 into law.

County commissioners will now have the authority to permanently prohibit the construction of large wind or solar farms. Counties will also have the ability to limit the size of renewable energy farms.

Companies looking to build new facilities in Ohio will also need to provide a comprehensive decommissioning plan before construction begins.

The bill's authors — state Sens. Bill Reineke and Rob McColley — argued that their legislation forces developers to engage with local communities, rather than the Ohio Power Sitting Board.

"Instead of stifling wind and solar development in Ohio, SB 52 will promote partnership and collaboration between project developers and the local community, ensuring that these projects are sited in areas that will support and cherish them," the duo said in a joint statement.

However, their legislation met resistance from a diverse range of groups, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Sierra Club, the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, Zane State College, and Audobon Great Lakes.

Each group opposed the legislation for different political reasons, but ultimately concluded the bill would stymie the use of renewable energy in Ohio.

"The bill introduces tremendous, new political risks to energy infrastructure projects that will deter investors and lenders from providing the upfront capital needed to build projects. Thus, the bill acts as an effective moratorium," said a Chamber spokesperson during a committee hearing.

Notably, Ohio is home to one of the largest solar panel manufacturing plants in the world. First Solar's $680 million facility is located in Lake Township and is expected to ramp up production starting in 2023. Approximately 500 people work at the factory. The company also has a research and development facility in the Buckeye State.

Senate Bill 52 comes as Ohio lawmakers voted to stop cities from banning the use of natural gas (via House Bill 201), reducing local control over energy projects.