Terra Goodnight · March 29, 2017

Statehouse Preview: Week of March 27

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AT THE STATEHOUSE

The House Public Utilities Committee will vote on HB114, legislation to convert the state’s renewable energy and efficiency standards into voluntary goals. The bill would benefit the state’s electric utilities, and last week committee members heard from supporters from the coal and utility industry, as well as dozens of opponents including Ohio Advanced Energy Economy, the Ohio Environmental Council and Whirlpool. Read testimony from the March 21 hearing. The state budget (HB49) is back in the full Finance committee this week. All testimony will be heard on aspects of the Governor’s proposed budget.

• Wednesday 9am, Statehouse Room 313 or watch online
• Thursday 9am, Statehouse Room 313 or watch online

On Tuesday, the Senate Insurance & Financial Institutions Committee will hear from the sponsors of SB91, legislation to provide universal healthcare coverage for all Ohio residents. View the full Senate committee schedule View the full House committee schedule

Citizen Statehouse Lobby Day 

Next Wednesday, April 5, we are hosting a day of citizen training and lobbying which will feature an opportunity to testify on the state budget. If you’re interested in participating in lobby day, sign up with Progress Ohio. To volunteer to testify on the budget, sign up here and we’ll help guide you through the process and be with you on Wednesday.

TAKE ACTION

After just two hearings and only one opportunity for public testimony, the Ohio House is rushing to pass HB114, legislation to roll back Ohio’s renewable energy and efficiency standards. The proposal represents the fifth attempt by opponents of renewable energy and efficiency standards to roll back the bipartisan 2008 legislation, the most recent of which was vetoed by Governor Kasich. The legislation threatens not only our environment and climate, but also Ohio’s advanced energy industry. Some facts to consider:

• The Public Utilities Commission estimates the state standards contribute just $.29 to the monthly utility bill of the average Ohio consumer
• Ohio’s energy efficiency standards saved consumers over $2 billion on their electricity bills from 2009-2014 (source)
• The law has resulted in more than 3,000 jobs and $900 million in investment in Ohio’s wind energy industry; the state has 62 active wind power manufacturing facilities, more than any other state. (source)

Call your state representative today and urge them to oppose HB114. If your representative is a member of the Public Utilities Committee, be sure to call before today’s 3pm hearing. All other Representatives need to hear from constituents before they vote in House Session, Thursday at 11am.