A Day at the Statehouse: Generating Electricity for Economic Development
I recently had the privilege of testifying before the Ohio Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee in support of Senate Bill 275, a bill allowing virtual net metering systems on distressed properties. Representing Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE), I drew on my years of experience working in the trenches of the chamber of commerce and economic development sector and my current role as CICE’s Midwest Regional Director. This background allowed me to provide the committee with a unique perspective on how clean energy initiatives like SB 275 can revitalize a community and drive economic growth.
SB 275 addresses two critical issues facing Ohioans: growing energy demand and the blight of distressed properties. By allowing businesses to generate clean energy on these underutilized sites, we can create jobs, boost local economies, and increase tax revenue—all while reducing the strain on the energy grid. Virtual net metering, a key feature of SB 275, allows property owners to generate clean energy on one site (e.g. using solar panels), such as an old landfill or coal mine, and use that electricity elsewhere. This flexibility transforms properties that were once liabilities into assets, supporting local economic development.
Numerous proponents, including our friends at the Greater Cleveland Partnership, shared compelling testimony in person and in writing. Imagine turning a rundown, abandoned property, landfill, or old coal site into a productive clean energy powerhouse—one that provides affordable, reliable energy to businesses, new tax revenue, and revitalizes the surrounding community. That is the potential of SB 275. This is not just an energy solution but an economic development opportunity that benefits businesses, communities, and governments alike.
As a former economic developer, I understand the challenges of attracting businesses to distressed and blighted properties. SB 275 offers a powerful solution, transforming these sites into clean energy assets that create jobs, generate tax revenue, and drive local investment. By incentivizing clean energy development, we can turn obstacles into opportunities for Ohioans, strengthening both our economy and energy infrastructure.
To learn more about virtual net metering or SB 275, reach out to CICE Director of Policy Rob Bradham, IOM.
Logan O’Neill, IOM, OhioCED
Midwest Regional Director
Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy
loneill@chambersforinnovation.com