Utility-scale solar developments have been on the rise in Ohio over the last two years and with those developments comes great economic benefits for the communities where they are located. Recognizing that there are many potential upsides to solar developments but also recognizing that residents and community leaders have questions about the technology, regulations, community impacts, and economic development opportunities, chambers of commerce are increasingly looking to provide legitimate, third-party expert validated information.
The Logan County Chamber of Commerce (OH) recently partnered with Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to provide a Utility-Scale Solar Forum in conjunction with a regular meeting of the Logan County Community Improvement Corporation. This event was targeted at community leaders, in a grass tops strategy, to help ensure that the information presented would flow to the local population from trusted sources.
Presentations included:
- The Economic Power of Solar- Brian Dicken (IOM); Vice President, Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
- Ohio Power Siting Board Permitting Process and Criteria- Matt Butler; Public Information Officer, Ohio Power Siting Board.
- PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Orientation and SB 52 Regulations for Solar- Dylan Borchers; Energy, Environment & Utilities Attorney, Bricker & Eckler Attorneys at Law.
- Power of the PILOT and Community Impacts of Renewable Energy- Jeff Snyder; Superintendent, Lincolnview Local Schools (Van Wert County)
- A Farmer and Landowner’s Perspective- Mike Pullins, Farm owner (Champaign County)
The Logan County Chamber of Commerce provided a great example of engaging grass tops leaders in a discussion on an important and significant matter for their community. Whether or not a chamber takes a position on public policy matters, local infrastructure projects, or utility-scale solar developments, as the voice of business, each chamber can follow the lead of the Logan County Chamber and at least look to ensure that the community is well informed.
