Ohio lawmakers examine energy-target proposal

COLUMBUS (AP) — A legislative panel is taking another look at a bill delaying the phase-in of Ohio’s renewable energy and efficiency standards.

The contentious proposal addresses targets for how much energy Ohio utilities must generate from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, by 2025.

Peter Stautberg, chairman of the House Public Utilities Committee, had delayed the vote to today after intensive lobbying last week.

Opponents, including advanced-energy companies, faith and civil-rights leaders and environmentalists, have lobbied hard against the two-year pause in the standards negotiated by Gov. John Kasich and senators. They say such targets promote environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels and create high-tech jobs in the growing alternative-energy sector.

The bill’s backers contend the targets drive up prices for average electric consumers who have been given little choice in the matter.