Governor̢??‰?s Signing of SB 310 Rolls Back Economic Opportunities for Ohio Entrepreneurs

Ohio small employers received some disappointing news today when Gov. Kasich signed into law SB 310, a bill that will roll back Ohio̢??‰?s clean energy standards. Some lawmakers claim the state̢??‰?s clean energy standards hurt businesses. But Small Business Majority asked Ohio small businesses what they think and found just the opposite: Entrepreneurs believe stronger clean energy standards save them money, create market opportunities and spur job growth.

Small Business Majority̢??‰?s scientific opinion polling found the majority of Ohio small business owners agree the state̢??‰?s clean energy standards have helped them by reducing utility costs, and by spurring innovation and creating business opportunities. In fact, more than half agree Ohio electricity providers should be required to help small businesses increase energy efficiency and save money through energy audits and rebates for installing energy-efficient products, among other services.

Since Ohio̢??‰?s energy efficiency standards went into place in 2008, renewable electricity generation is up 64 percent, 3,200 jobs have been created and Ohioans are saving about a percent and a half on electricity bills. This legislation puts an end to all that.

We are very disappointed that state lawmakers have ignored the best interests of Ohio̢??‰?s small employers and passed this legislation into law. It̢??‰?s time lawmakers end their efforts to eliminate policies that save small businesses money and start working together to pass smart, pragmatic polices that encourage job creation and strengthen our economy.