To the Editor:
The House Public Utilities Committee has continued to meet on a weekly basis to discuss the Energy Bill. Sub. SB 221 is the Governor's proposal as passed by the Senate. This bill has two parts, electric re-regulation and green energy technology. Recently, House Speaker Jon Husted had Representative Jim McGregor introduced HB 487 which is the Republican version of the green technology portion of the Governor's bill.
HB 487 is the Speaker's attempt to out perform the Governor on the issue of advanced and renewable technologies. The environmental lobby gushed over the proposal and heaped praise on Speaker Husted and Representative McGregor. There are good provisions in HB 487. Of concern to me is the erosion of the Governor's advanced and renewable energy standard by allowing energy efficiency measures to count toward the Governor's goal of 25% of our electricity coming from advanced and renewable technologies by 2025. In addition, the development of wind power will come at the expense of private property rights. There are no state guidelines or minimum standards for the build out of wind turbines. In several western Ohio counties with proposed wind turbine farms, the absence of rural zoning is creating enormous problems for residents and will likely reduce the value of rural property. Further, HB 487 provides for "carbon sequestration." This involves the drilling of wells and the injection of environmentally harmful emissions from coal burning electric plants underground. The citing of such wells would be done through the exercise of eminent domain. These wells would be private ventures for ten years then revert to the state which would assume all liability thereafter. Many questions remain unanswered about HB 487.
Last week we heard testimony from the electric companies' lawyers that SB 221 violates the US Constitution and that if push comes to shove the electric companies will sue the State of Ohio to protect their property and profits from re-regulation. This prompted another round of backroom negotiations between the Speaker and the Governor. These discussions are ongoing and may produce a compromise.
At this point we still do not have a final version of either Sub SB 221 or HB 487. Democratic members of the committee are not involved in the private negotiations. We are all anxious to review the modified language of the bills. Our chairman ended the committee hearing on March 12 with the admonition that all proposed amendments be submitted by March 21, 2008. After that date we may have a draft bill combining both Sub SB 221 and HB 487. It looks like we won't vote on an Energy bill until some time in April. We are already behind schedule and time is of the essence.
Everyone should educate themselves on these bills. This legislation will impact your electric bills and your property rights. Only time will tell how these laws will shape Ohio's future energy policy.
Mark D. Okey
State Representative
House District 61
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