County angling to become renewable energy capital
Lisa Roberson
A new geothermal energy company plans to locate its national headquarters in Lorain.
An Ann Arbor, Mich.-based company recently purchased Avon Bearings Corp., pledging to push the local manufacturer into the forefront of the growing wind energy market.
And two companies that make parts for wind turbines have scouted manufacturing sites in Lorain County.
Alone, each could be seen as single steps toward economic development for the area, but when looked at together they paint a picture of what county officials believe will be the future of Lorain County — a renewable energy capital. And now that a much-anticipated energy and utilities bill is days away from becoming law, such announcements could become the norm for many years to come.
That’s because the bill — which many admit isn’t perfect — seems to have something for everyone. Even critics say it’s a step in the right direction toward not only breaking Ohio’s dependence on coal and nuclear power plants, but also paving the way to create local jobs in the renewable energy industry.
Local politicians view the bill as the county’s saving grace.
“It gives us the renewable energy standard that we need to say to companies we are a more marketable area where your business can grow,” said Lorain Mayor Tony Krasienko. “It has just enough of the basics in place to be able to spur the market a little bit.”
Krasienko has remained coy on whether the two wind turbine companies are looking to set up shop in Lorain. But he did say he’s pleased by the enthusiasm such companies are taking in Ohio.
As it’s written, the bill requires utility companies to use renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and water to generate 12.5 percent of their total power load by 2025.
In a give-and-take with the big power players, the House decided to keep a Senate-proposed provision that cuts off the renewable energy requirements if its use causes electric bills to increase by more than 3 percent.
Some say that cap is too low to force companies to switch to renewable energy.
“Still, it got done what needed to be done to move Ohio forward,” said Commissioner Ted Kalo, who admits he would have liked to see a higher cap or no cap at all. “It’s a good place where we can start at now.”
Commissioner Lori Kokoski said the bill will be good for the county.
“We can’t lose sight of the fact that this is going to bring more jobs to Ohio,” she said. “Lorain County is in an excellent position for renewable energy. Our wind in this area is excellent. We have the infrastructure to support manufacturing — freight, rail and interstate highways. In that regard, Lorain County stands out above the rest.”
Contact Lisa Roberson at 329-7121 or lroberson@chroniclet.com.
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Filed by Lisa Roberson April 26th, 2008 in Local and State.
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