Ohio environmental groups question 'Clean Energy' initiative moving toward Ohio ballot

3/1/2012

COLUMBUS— Eleven Ohio environmental organizations are asking backers to abandon efforts to put a self-described "Ohio Clean Energy Initiative" before Ohio voters.

The issue cleared its final hurdle to signature-gathering Thursday.

The Ohio Environmental Council, the state chapter of the Sierra Club, Environment Ohio and other opponents sent a joint letter to issue sponsors saying it could jeopardize Ohio's progress in the clean energy arena.

The groups wrote that the initiative would send $13 billion to a Delaware corporation, Ohio Energy Initiative Commission LLC, without adequate oversight by state lawmakers and regulators. The measure also calls for paying the corporation $65 million in annual management fees.

Their review found the issue is worded so that money raised also would not have to be spent on clean energy sources.