Ohio Energy Project Delays Cost State $440 Million Annually, Study Finds
A recent study by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation has revealed that Ohio is losing approximately $440 million in potential investments and 5,400 jobs each year due to delays in the permitting process for energy projects. The Ohio Power Siting Board, responsible for managing permits for energy generation and transmission infrastructure, is supposed to review legal conformities within 60 days and make decisions within 150 days. However, the study found that the process often extends to an average of 18 months. Demetrius Thomas, the executive director of the foundation, emphasized the need for stricter adherence to deadlines to improve the process. House Bill 15, signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine, aims to alleviate some regulatory issues for heavy energy users by allowing them to generate their own energy without connecting to the existing grid. Despite these measures, challenges remain as some entities prefer to connect to the grid. 
