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Some Religious Leaders Opposing Energy Standards Freeze

An Ohio House committee has canceled its hearing on legislation freezing the state's renewable energy and efficiency standards. Some religious leaders are  joining the list of businesses and consumer advocates opposing the measure. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.

Faith-based leaders are the latest group to take a stand against the bill, which would freeze Ohio’s energy efficiency and renewable standards for electric utilities. Pastors from around Ohio said they support the current policies, claiming that their beliefs spur them to endorse guidelines that encourage green energy.

Reverend Robert Martin from the First Presbyterian Church in Athens says his building has gone through several renovations to become more efficient, saving the church about $6,000 in a year.

Although Martin says there’s a clear benefit to investing in the efficient changes, he asserts the church couldn’t afford the renovations without the state’s current policies.

Martin: “And when there’s a partnership between the state—the utilities—and local congregations or businesses I think it benefits everyone. If the freeze were in place I don’t think those monies would’ve been available so I think there’s an incentive to try to get people on board now—to reduce cost now—and reduce use now.”

The Republican-backed bill was scheduled for a possible vote in a House committee on Wednesday but that meeting was canceled.

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.
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