June 25, 2021
OEC Reaction to Ohio Power Siting Board Ruling on Multiple Renewable Energy Projects
Columbus, OH—On Thursday, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) voted on whether to approve certificates for five renewable energy projects: the Republic Wind and Firelands Wind projects, as well as three solar projects—Hecate Energy Highland, Alamo Solar, and Angelina Solar.
In response, the following quote can be attributed to Miranda Leppla, Vice President of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council:
“Yesterday’s Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) decision, on the one hand, is a bright spot. We are pleased to see the first terrestrial wind project move forward after the overly restrictive setback standards were slipped into a budget bill in 2014. We also applaud the approval of 250 MW of solar energy projects, moving us forward in the fight against climate change.
“On the other hand, the decision to deny the certificate for Republic Wind is incredibly disappointing. Republic Wind would have produced up to 200 MW of clean, renewable energy, creating 150 construction jobs and ten permanent jobs for Ohioans. The Ohio Environmental Council carefully reviewed and intervened in this case, determining it met the rigorous requirements of the Ohio Power Siting Board. While we strongly believe a state-level review of projects of this size is the correct approach to provide certainty and consistency for project developers as well as communities, we are extremely disappointed with the decision.
We look forward to the upcoming review of the OPSB rules so that developers have more understanding of what is required for approval.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is the state’s most comprehensive and effective environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. The OEC develops and ensures the implementation of forward-thinking, science-based, pragmatic solutions to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home.
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