Environment Ohio Pleased with Passage of Solar Schools Bill

The Ohio House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of adopting renewable energy at Ohio school districts on Thursday. Environment Ohio, a proponent of the initiative, said the bill is important in fostering education about environmental issues.   

“This legislation is important on several levels; it introduces students throughout Ohio to renewable energy, it saves school districts and Ohio taxpayers money, and will produce nearly 23 megawatts of renewable power that helps Ohio reduce its dependence on coal,” said Jeff McCourt, the energy advocate for Environment Ohio. “We look forward to a similar result when the Senate addresses this legislation.”

The legislation, HB113 (Blessing), which passed with a bipartisan vote of 91-5, directs approximately 70 of the state’s largest school districts to install renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, or geothermal. Two major proponents of the bill, Rep. Lou Blessing (R-Cincinnati) and Mike Foley (D-Cleveland) were encouraged by the legislation. 

“We need to have a more diverse and efficient energy portfolio,” said Foley. “This program will provide school districts the opportunity to save on their energy costs, while promoting an innovative green energy industry in Ohio, and affording a new educational experience for students at the same time.” 

Blessing, a joint sponsor of the legislation, said that the bill is a “win, win, win for Ohio schools, Ohio businesses, and Ohio residential electric customers. All three will see savings.”

The bill creates a Renewable Energy Schools Pilot Program for Ohio school districts with 5,000 or more in enrollment. Districts with 5,000 to 10,000 students are asked to install 250 kilowatts of renewable energy, while districts with over 10,000 students are asked to install 500 kilowatts. 

The bill will now move to the Ohio Senate for consideration.