'Clean Energy' ballot issue clears initial hurdle

COLUMBUS (AP) — A proposal to require Ohio to invest billions of dollars in solar, wind and other energy sources has cleared an initial hurdle to getting on the ballot.

Ohio’s attorney general said today that backers of the so-called Ohio Clean Energy Initiative amendment have met state requirements to proceed with their effort.

If successful, the measure would require the state to invest $1.3 billion each year for the next decade on energy infrastructure, research or development.

The money would fund projects determined by a Delaware corporation, Ohio Energy Initiative Commission LLC. The measure also calls for paying the commission $65 million in annual operational expenses.

The next step is Tuesday’s state Ballot Board meeting to determine whether the issue is more than one amendment.