wind energy

Future Of Lake Erie Wind Farm Remains Up In The Air

By Jeff St. Clair • Oct 1, 2020

Lake Erie is an abundant natural resource with 10,000 square miles of water, wind and wildlife. For more than a decade, a group in Cleveland has been working to harness Lake Erie’s wind energy with a proposed six-turbine windfarm called Icebreaker.

Utility Regulator Lifts Controversial Restriction From Lake Erie Wind Farm

By Matthew Richmond • Sep 17, 2020

Updated: 4:55 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, 2020

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has repealed a provision requiring a proposed wind farm in Lake Erie shut down its turbines overnight from March 1 to Nov. 1.

Board members unanimously approved a motion by Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, to remove the requirement at the OPSB meeting Thursday.

Bird Conservation Groups Sue To Stop Proposed Lake Erie Wind Farm

By Taylor Haggerty • Dec 17, 2019

A proposed wind energy project off the coast of Lake Erie is facing a lawsuit from two birding organizations. The groups allege not enough research has been done to determine the project’s environmental impact.

Communities Push For Right To Reject Wind Farm Proposals

By Andy Chow • Nov 8, 2019

Wind turbines in Blue Creek Township in Paulding County, Ohio. — Nyttend / Wikimedia Commons

Republican lawmakers in the Ohio House and Senate are pushing for a bill that would allow township voters to reject wind farm projects through a referendum.

Wind And Solar Power Credits Removed From Energy Bill

By Andy Chow • May 23, 2019

The Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station on Lake Erie is scheduled to shut down in 2020. — Ron Schwane / Associated Press

The Ohio House has dramatically changed the comprehensive energy bill that would bail out the state’s nuclear power plants and repeal alternative energy mandates.

Poll Finds Renewable Energy Support Among Conservative Voters

By Andy Chow • Feb 15, 2019

Researchers are saying a new poll shows increasing support for the development of renewable energy among conservative Ohioans. The poll doesn’t just focus on what conservative voters support, but why.

Opponents Call AEP Renewable Project An Unnecessary Subsidy

By Andy Chow • Jan 29, 2019

Opponents of American Electric Power’s renewable energy project say the proposal to build new wind and solar farms in Highland County would result in an unnecessary subsidy with customers footing the bill.

Could Ohio's Renewable Energy Be A Matter Of National Security?

By Tony Ganzer • Jul 16, 2018

It’s been years in the making, but this month plans for a Lake Erie wind farm took a step, or at least a half-step, forward.

Anti-Turbine Landowners Make Their Case For Tough Wind Setbacks

By Andy Chow • May 25, 2018

A group that advocates for the rights of landowners is fighting back against a bill that would allow for more wind turbines to pop up. The bill addresses how far turbines can set back from property lines. But the wind energy industry says those setbacks must be reduced in order for more development.

With Hite Gone, Wind Setbacks Measure Reintroduced Under New Sponsor

By Andy Chow • Dec 5, 2017

An issue that some believe will reignite the wind energy industry is getting a new wave of support. A previous version of the bill stalled after the resignation of a senator.

GOP Senators Regroup After Cliff Hite Scandal, Resignation

By Nick Houser • Nov 29, 2017

Former Ohio Senator Cliff Hite. — Cliff Hite / Twitter

Republicans in the Ohio Senate are regrouping after allegations of sexual harassment forced a high-ranking member to resign.

Ohio Bill Would Allow Wind Turbines Closer To Property Lines

By Andy Chow • Sep 18, 2017

A wind turbine at Blue Creek Wind Farm in Van Wert County. — IBERDROLA RENEWABLES

Leaders in the wind energy industry says they cannot create new projects in Ohio, claiming they’re essentially handcuffed by stiff regulations over where turbines can be placed.

A new proposal would loosen those restrictions.