Senate Passage of Energy Bill SB 310 Huge Disappointment for Ohio Entrepreneurs

The state Senate̢??‰?s passage early Thursday morning of SB 310, a bill that would eliminate Ohio̢??‰?s clean energy standards, is a huge disappointment to small business owners across the state. 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: Small businesses believe stronger clean energy standards save them money, create market opportunities and spur job growth.

Small Business Majority polled a random sample of Ohio small business owners and found significant support for the Buckeye State̢??‰?s clean energy policies. Fifty-three percent support the state̢??‰?s current standard requiring electric companies to reduce electricity consumption and have a portion of all energy come from renewable sources such as wind and solar power by 2025. What̢??‰?s more, two-thirds believe the use of renewable energy sources have economic benefits for small businesses, while a majority also agree utility providers should offer services such as energy audits and rebates to help small businesses become more efficient and reduce energy costs.

Strong energy standards save businesses money on energy costs, drive innovation and create economic opportunities that progress the state toward a clean energy economy. Many businesses have already grown and benefitted from these standards. Rolling them back will stunt small businesses̢??‰? ability to grow, innovate and serve as the state̢??‰?s job creators.

We urge lawmakers in Ohio̢??‰?s House of Representatives to strike down SB 310 now. It̢??‰?s time lawmakers end their efforts to freeze these beneficial policies that save small businesses money and create economic opportunities. Small businesses have spoken, and now lawmakers need to listen and follow suit.