Akron Beacon Journal...
No alternative
September 13, 2011 - 06:31 PM 

Three years ago, Ohio joined other states in adopting alternative energy standards, a requirement that utilities build into their portfolio renewable and advanced sources of energy. Ted Strickland, then the governor, initiated the effort. Jon Husted, then the House speaker, strengthened the proposal. In the end, Democrats and Republicans gave their overwhelming approval. By 2025, utilities must find one-quarter of their power from renewable and advanced sources. 

The sound thinking is that governments can play a useful role in encouraging the development of a market. Industry analysts stressed the value of establishing such standards to attract investment, energy companies, large and small, benefiting from the commitment and the stability. 

Now comes state Sen. Kris Jordan with proposed legislation to eliminate the standards. The Powell Republican argues that in a struggling economy, Ohio shouldn’t be flirting with higher energy prices. He sees “this mandate” placing “a greater burden on the people of this great state.” He wants to “leave free market decisions to the free market.” 

Put aside that the relative low energy prices of today suggest this is a good time for power companies to enter long-term contracts for alternative energy sources. The country has little choice but to develop a more diverse energy portfolio, from burning coal cleanly to tapping the sun and the wind. The imperative is both economic and environmental, an opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovation and job creation and to perform as enlightened stewards of the planet. 

The standards serve as incentives. That hardly amounts to breaking new ground. The country long has provided similar encouragement and subsidies to fossil-fuel industries. More, China and other nations get it. They have been engaging in just such public incentives and investment, betting safely that renewable and advanced energy amount to the next and necessary frontier. 

Ohio should want part of the action. It already has been making progress. The state Power Siting Board has certified five proposed wind farms, with another five pending, all together with a capacity of 1,780 megawatts. Toledo ranks among the leaders in solar energy development. 

At the John S. Knight Center today and Thursday, Akron plays host to a gathering of the emerging advanced energy sector in Northeast Ohio. The Advanced Energy B2B Conference and Expo has been organized by the Summit County Mayors Association and NorTech, the high-tech economic development group. It represents a measure of growing activity, collaboration and promise. 

The renewable and advanced energy standards aid significantly the cause. Surely, this isn’t the time to invite uncertainty about the state’s commitment. Yet that is what Kris Jordan proposes. He is thinking small about Ohio’s future. 

Read it at the Akron Beacon Journal