We encourage public policies that protect the earth, ensure public health and well-being, reduce pollution and greenhouse gases, and support energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy sources. Our work on public policies is grounded in the religious tenets of caring for our neighbor and the most vulnerable, caring for the earth, and preserving the planet for generations to come.

2019 Public Policy issues

Clean Energy-Science clearly indicates that we must reduce our output of carbon dioxide and other global warming pollution. Transitioning away from fossil fuels is a crucial step to mitigating against climate disruption.

HB 6, passed on May 28th in the Ohio House of Representatives would:

Repeal Ohio's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS). No new incentives for renewable energy or energy efficiency included in the bill’s “clean air fund.”

Bail out Ohio’s two nuclear plants owned by FirstEnergy Solutions.

Bail out two jointly-owned (by several Ohio utilities) coal plants - one in Ohio, and one in Indiana.

Add red tape for siting new wind farms in Ohio, making it nearly impossible to develop new wind projects.

The Bill is headed to the Senate and Governor in June, 2019. You can encourage Senators and the Governor to maintain and strengthen Ohio’s commitment to renewable energy and address Ohio’s overly restrictive Wind Setback Standards.

A History of Ohio's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Standards

In May 2008, Ohio enacted broad electric industry restructuring legislation (SB 221) containing energy efficiency requirements for investor-owned utilities and clean energy standards. These clean energy standards set minimum requirements on Ohio electric utilities to sell an increasing amount of electricity sourced from renewable resources such as wind, hydropower and solar, and to gradually step up investments in energy efficiency each year by helping customers implement energy efficiency measures at their home or business.
Legislation (SB310) was passed in May, 2014,  that froze Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency. These standards were unfrozen in 2017.

TAKE ACTION:

Ensure Ohio is moving towards a clean energy future. Let your Ohio legislators know you support renewable energy and energy efficiency so that Ohio can be a part of the solution!