Garbage, old tires suggested as renewable energy source in Ohio

COLUMBUS (AP) — The burning of garbage and old tires would be considered renewable energy sources under proposals in the Senate version of Ohio’s budget bill for the next two years.

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, the Sierra Club and others who support wind and solar power oppose efforts to classify trash as a renewable resource to burn at generating stations.

Ohio’s renewable energy law — trumpeted by lawmakers when it was passed a year ago — enabled tires, trash and other solid waste to be converted to electricity but only if it was first gasified.

Environmentalists oppose the labeling of those items as renewable energy, but at least wanted the gasification requirement because it reduces emissions.

“If Ohio’s going to make a true commitment to develop a cleaner and greener economy, Ohio lawmakers need to stop chipping away at the state’s renewable energy law,” said Amy Gomberg, program director for Environment Ohio.

Under Ohio’s renewable energy laws, electric utilities must generate 12.5 percent of their power with renewables by 2025 or buy renewable energy credits.