EDITORIAL: Listen to the wind

Mar 24, 2008 (The Akron Beacon Journal - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- NO MATCHES FOUND. | news | PowerRating | PR Charts -- Ted Strickland understands the environmental and economic promise of alternative energy sources, from wind to solar to biomass. The governor has stressed from his first days in office the need for Ohio to seize the opportunity, especially in view of its prowess in manufacturing. This past week, three wind energy developers reinforced the argument. They sent letters to the governor highlighting their eagerness to invest $2.7 billion in the state to build wind turbines.

The developers, Horizon Wind Energy, Iberdrola Renewables and Invenergy Wind, added a catch. They emphasized the need for assurances that a sufficient market for wind power will develop in Ohio -- sooner rather than later. What form might those assurances take? They have in mind renewable energy legislation along the lines proposed by Jon Husted, the House speaker, establishing firm and enforceable benchmarks to serve as requirements that the state build alternative sources into its energy portfolio.

The governor has been skeptical about such requirements. His original energy plan (including electricity restructuring) did not include benchmarks for reaching the goal of 25 percent renewable and advanced energy sources by 2025. Of late, he has shown welcome flexibility, responding to Husted with proposed benchmarks of his own. Unfortunately, the requirements would not begin until 2015.

The thinking of the governor is, the market and industry need to time to ramp up. But that isn't what the wind developers are saying. They are ready now to move into Ohio. They cite the claim that wind tribune suppliers are "sold out" and then explain that the real issue is where the purchased turbines will be located. They add that the prospects for Ohio would brighten considerably if the state applied its benchmarks starting in 2009, as the Husted plan would.

The speaker has not succumb to foolish optimism. His benchmarks are appropriately conservative, calling for renewable energy sources to make up 0.25 percent of total supply in the first year. What Husted recognizes is the need for an apt incentive. That includes doing away with the Senate-approved idea of a 3 percent cap on price increases due to advanced or renewable energy sources. The limit may please many customers, especially large industrial users of electricity. It would put the kibosh on a robust alternative energy industry in Ohio.

A struggling economically must be aggressive in pursuing opportunities, in particular those that appear suited to its strengths. Ohio already trails other states in chasing alternative energy sources. It cannot afford caution. Want to diversify the state's energy portfolio and create jobs in the process? Then listen to the wind energy developers and do what is necessary to encourage expansion of their industry.

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