Unrelated to the budget, the House this week voted 52-44 — followed by a Senate concurrence vote of 21-12 — to approve Senate Bill 52, which would make significant changes to Ohio’s power siting process for large-scale wind and solar projects. Specifically, the bill would:

• Enable county commissioners to approve a project via a lack of action, or to adopt a resolution rejecting or limiting the footprint of a proposed project;
• Allow local officials to adopt a resolution, subject to referendum, to designate a restricted area in which any project is prohibited or block any material amendment to an existing facility; and
• Create two ad-hoc seats to the Ohio Power Siting Board to represent county commissioners and township trustees in proceedings affecting their jurisdiction.

Critics say the bill unfairly singles out wind and solar projects. In an attempt to provide a workable solution, the OMA engaged at the Power Siting Board-level to reach a compromise — one that still achieved the goals of the bill sponsors — but remains opposed to the final version of the bill. To ensure clarity, uniform policy, and economy of process, the OMA continues to urge a statewide approach to such projects and decisions. The bill now awaits Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature or veto. 6/30/2021