The fight for community solar in Ohio continues.

The widely supported bipartisan bill, HB197, will establish community owned solar pilot and solar development programs throughout Ohio. HB197 has had 8 hearings since it was introduced in June of 2023 with over 55 proponent testimonies from groups, organizations and individuals in Ohio and only 6 testimonies in opposition.

Craig Ickler, Energy Democracy Organizer with The Cleveland Solar Cooperative has worked with residents, neighbors, union members, solar equipment manufacturers, and farmers from all over Ohio to bring this crucial bipartisan bill to a vote.

Craig summarizes the status of HB197 and the upcoming call to action by saying:

Companies like AEP and FirstEnergy have chosen to oppose community solar. They use the money we pay them in our electric bills to fund their lobbyists and compile error-laden reports to twist the facts about community solar. These companies continue to put their bottom-line ahead of good policy like HB 197. And we're taking the fight to their doorsteps!

With Solar United Neighbors and many others, we are heading to AEP Headquarters on Tuesday 9/24/2024 at 12pm to hold a rally and press conference demanding they get out of the way of community solar! RSVP today - we'll be coordinating with the coalition to provide rides there and back!

Can't join us on the 24th? You can still help make signs for the event on the 19th. We'll send updates when the time and location are finalized!

If you haven't already - check out Solar United Neighbors (SUN's) updated action alert here and give one of the representatives a call to let them know how much community solar means to Ohioans!