Ted Strickland

Developing Advanced Energy

Governor Strickland passed an energy bill that set ambitious targets for renewable and advanced energy to create new industries and bring jobs to Ohio. Governor Strickland further invested in Ohio’s “green collar” economy by directing $150 million from the Ohio Job Stimulus Plan to advanced energy technologies.  

The bill also stops electricity prices from skyrocketing as they did in states that went forward with unfettered deregulation.   The Governor worked with utility companies to protect Ohio consumers and businesses from volatile rates by ensuring stable prices for electricity.

The Governor’s advanced energy accomplishments include:

• The third most ambitious requirement for renewable and advanced energy use in the country.  By 2025, 25% of energy sold in Ohio must be from renewable or advanced energy.  Ohio’s advanced energy portfolio will make us one of the largest producers of renewable energy in the country.
• Reasonable, predictable electricity rates for Ohio businesses, helping them to set budgets for continuing success.  
• Ambitious requirements for renewable and advanced energy sources that will ensure Ohioans a place in the advanced energy economy. 6000-7000 megawatts of wind energy capability will need to be added to meet the benchmark set in Ohio’s renewable energy portfolio standard.  An investment in just 1000 megawatts could generate as much as $1.3 Billion of economic impact for Ohio and create 3,500 jobs.  
• Additional advanced energy jobs in Ohio. In 2009, the Council of State Governments found that Ohio created more green jobs than any other state in America. And a report by the Pew Charitable Trust titled “The Clean Energy Economy” shows that Ohio is in the top 5 for both energy efficiency jobs and clean energy jobs.  
• Investment in renewable energy projects. The Ohio Job Stimulus Plan invests $150 million in advanced and renewable energy projects such as clean coal technology research, solar and wind power.  
• Energy efficient schools. Hundreds of new and renovated Ohio schools are set to meet higher energy efficiency and environmental standards under the Green Schools Initiative.  All future buildings funded by the School Facilities Commission will be encouraged to meet the Gold certification of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. The Commission believes that encouraging energy efficiency for schools could save $1.4 billion in energy costs over the next 40 years.  With the $4 billion in new construction money Governor Strickland secured for the Ohio School Facilities Commission, 250 “green” schools are under construction creating 12,500 high-paying jobs.