May 14, 2014

Governor John Kasich

Rife Center, 30
th
Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-6117
CC: Members of the Ohio House of Representatives

Dear Governor Kasich,
Since the start of 2013, the Union of Concerned Scientists has delivered to your
office and to members of the Ohio General Assembly nearly 5,500 messages and
petition signatures from Ohioans who support the Buckeye States renewable energy
and energy efficiency standards and oppose any legislation that would halt their
implementation.
1

Our supporters in Ohio include thousands of concerned citizens, many of whom are
scientists, economists, engineers, and public health experts at Ohios top colleges and
universities.
2
We join together in support of a common goal to put rigorous,
independent science and analysis to work advocating for innovative, practical
solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
We urge you to demonstrate your support for clean energy in Ohio by opposing
Senate Bill 310. State lawmakers made the right choice in 2008 when they voted in
bipartisan fashion to enact Ohio's policy requiring utilities to provide 12.5 percent of
their electricity from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, and reduce
energy demand 22 percent through energy efficiency programs by 2025.

1
For example, see our petition submitted to the governors office and members of the Ohio General
Assembly in December 2013 and the open letter signed by more than 30 Ohio economists, scientists,
engineers and public health experts with expertise in clean energy:
http://search-
prod.lis.state.oh.us/cm_pub_api/api/unwrap/chamber/130th_ga/ready_for_publication/committee_docs
/cmte_h_pub_util_1/submissions/dc8e2566-6714-4516-acf9-
0e3e043b7476/unionofconcernedscientists_hb302letter_12.11.13.pdf
http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Open-Statement-for-Ohio-PUC-Hearing-
June-18-2013.pdf
Ohio's renewable energy and energy efficiency standards are working and must not
be weakened or rolled back. Renewable energy generation in the Buckeye State has
more than tripled since 2008, and Ohioans are benefiting from downward pressure on
wholesale electricity prices and reduced pollution.
3
Analysis of utilities own reports
to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio confirm energy efficiency programs are
saving consumers money.
4

With coal and natural gas prices projected to rise, maintaining Ohio's current
renewable energy and energy efficiency standards is crucial to protecting consumers
from the economic, environmental, and public health risks of dependence on fossil
fuels.
5

Please oppose Senate Bill 310 so that Ohios clean energy standards can continue
to manufacture benefits for all Ohioans. Ohios journey to a clean energy future is
just getting underway.
Sincerely,
Steve Frenkel
Midwest office director
Union of Concerned Scientists

3
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. 2013. Renewable Resources and Wholesale Price Suppression.
http://www.ohioadvancedenergy.org/files/dmfile/1308-Renewable-Resources-and-Wholesale-Price-
Suppression1.pdf
4
Ohio Advanced Energy Economy. 2014. Ohios clean energy law generating proven savings for Ohio
Consumers. http://ohioadvancedenergy.org/ohios-clean-energy-law-generating-proven-savings-ohio-
consumers/
5
Union of Concerned Scientists. 2013. Managing Risk in Ohio: The Role of Clean Energy in a
Reliable, Diverse Power Supply. www.ucsusa.org/ohioenergymix