API Ohio director testifies in support of legislation removing electricity mandates

API Ohio Executive Director Chris Zeigler testified this week before the Ohio House of Representatives Public Utilities Committee in support of HB 114, a bill that would remove government mandates related to electricity generation in the state.

“When the government picks winners and losers in the energy markets, consumers lose,” Zeigler said. “The simplest, most cost-effective way for Ohio leaders to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency is to continue to allow energy markets to work.”

In his testimony, Zeigler emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas. He cited a study conducted for API that found that if market forces were allowed to determine the U.S. generation portfolio, CO2 emissions would be 30 percent lower in 2030 than in 2005. This is due to the fact, Zeigler noted, that natural gas generation produces fewer emissions than coal-fired plants.

“Removing government mandates for renewable electricity generation will help ensure that Ohio consumers and the environment will be able to fully benefit from our state’s abundant resources of clean-burning and affordable natural gas,” Zeigler said. “We look forward to working with the State of Ohio on advancing this important legislation that protects Ohio consumers.”

Rep. Louis “Bill” Blessing, III (R-OH) recently introduced the bill with 53 Republican cosponsors. HB 114 would replace renewable energy and energy efficiency mandates with voluntary green energy goals.