East Palestine farmer speaks during discussion on proposed energy initiative
EAST PALESTINE A farmer from East Palestine spoke during a virtual conference and community discussion into the potential future of Ohio's agricultural and energy sectors.
The aim of the conference was to discuss the possible connection between the state's rural communities and a new proposed statewide energy initiative that would establish community solar arrays—possibly lowering energy costs for Ohioans through House Bill 303 and Senate Bill 231.
Roger Sikes, a policy and advocacy campaigner with Solar United Neighbors, explained what a community solar array is in the context of the proposed initiative.
Horowitz described an example where farmland or a large rooftop of an industrial business can be utilized to build a solar farm.
Those in the area of the same utility service territory can "subscribe" to the panels and receive a benefit on their electric bill based on the amount of electricity produced by these panels, according to Sikes.
Steve Mondak, a farmer based in East Palestine, participated in the virtual conference, giving the perspective of a farmer in the area who operates a 120-acre operation that produces hay, honey and other products.
"The whole batch of everything we do is not enough to even approach self-sufficiency. That's why community solar would allow, not only for me, an income stream for myself, it would allow my kids to hold on to and maintain the property and continue the farm well into the future," said Mondak.
Mondak continued, referencing the East Palestine train derailment that happened in February of 2023, and how he believes it contributed to possible pollution in the area and had "major implications."
"We need to bring costs down across the board. Electricity is a big one, a big factor in most people's budgets. If we can control it - if we can empower individuals to create their own electricity, to be able to sell a little bit back to the company, reduce their bills [and], who knows, maybe even earn a bit of money... who in their right mind would go against that?"
Two bills discussed that are making their way through the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate are House Bill 303 and Senate Bill 231.
During the panel, State Representative Sharon Ray (R-District 66) shared her definition of House Bill 303 in a pre-recorded message. Representative Ray is one of the primary sponsors of the bill.
According to Rep. Ray, the initiative would create a framework of community energy facilities, which could produce up to 1,500 megawatts of energy right into the power grid.
However, the bill does not end at solar energy. The bill also lists that wind, biomass, landfill gas, hydroelectric power, microturbine, natural gas-fired generator, energy storage systems or a fuel cell can also be utilized.
The bill language can apply to either a for-profit or a non-profit electric company.
House Bill 303 is currently being considered by the House Energy Committee, and Senate Bill 231 is being considered by the Senate Energy Committee.
