Wind and Solar Referendum Bill Sees Major Changes in Committee

This week, the House Public Utilities Committee accepted a substitute version of House Bill 118 (a companion to Senate Bill 52). As introduced, HB 118 would have allowed townships to hold referendums on Ohio Power Siting Board decisions regarding nearby large-scale solar and wind projects. The substitute version instead allows township trustees to adopt a resolution that designates portions of a township as an “energy development district.” These districts — if approved by voters — would be available for large wind and solar projects.

The OMA is engaged and will be discussing this bill more at the May 27 Energy Committee meeting. 5/13/2021