Fe State Rep.

Matt Lundy
In 2008, the General Assembly passed a bipartisan measure that re-
quired Ohio utility companies to attain 25 percent of their energy from
renewable or alternative sources and attain 22 percent energy savings
by 2025, seeking to reduce the states dependence on fossil fuels and
create savings and jobs for Ohioans.

Over the past six years, these energy standards have proven effective,
saving Ohioans $1.03 billion and creating over 3,000 jobs.

Therefore, when my Republican colleagues recently passed legislation that puts a two-year freeze on
these standards and removes a previous requirement that utilities attain 50 percent of their renewa-
ble or advanced energy from within Ohio, I questioned the rationality of these measures.

While supporters of the bill argue that freezing the standards will create savings for Ohio energy cus-
tomers, the truth is Ohioans are saving more money with the new energy standards than without the
standards in place. A study by FirstEnergy, a company in favor of the bill, still acknowledged that
consumers save $2 for every $1 spent on energy efficiency standards.

Further, a November 2013 study found that the energy standards stimulated Ohios GDP by $160
million from 2008 to 2012 and reduced Ohio electricity bills by 1.4 percent and energy usage by 2.6
percent during that same period of time.

Over 60 companies and organizations throughout Ohio expressed their opposition to this legislation,
including major employers like Anheuser Busch, Honda and Johnson Controls.

Unfortunately, in the end, it seems clear to me that the big energy companies prevailed at the ex-
pense of Ohios economy and consumers.

If our governor signs Senate Bill 310 into law, Ohio would
become the first state in the country to suspend renewable
energy goals by eliminating and freezing energy targets in
Ohio.

We cannot afford to move backwards in the quest for energy
efficiency, and I vow to continue working to implement sen-
sible energy standards that benefit both our economy and
the environment.
Renewable Energy Freeze Hurts Ohio Economy, Consumers
Legislation pauses energy measurers that have created jobs, saved money
1
Advanced Energy Economic Ohio Institute, Economic Analysis of Ohios Renewable and Energy Efficiency Standards, November 18, 2013
2
Environmental Defense Fund, In their Own Words: Ohios Utilities Say Their Energy Efficiency Programs are Saving Customers Millions,
3
Advanced Energy Economic Ohio Institute, Economic Analysis of Ohios Renewable and Energy Efficiency Standards, November 18, 2013