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The solar industry got a boost Tuesday with Gov. John Kasich's veto of a bill that would have made compliance with the state's renewable energy mandates voluntary for the next two years. Vows by Republican legislative leaders to revisit the issue could have a detrimental impact on renewables because it suggests the standards could be upended. For now, renewable energy advocates are celebrating.

(Michael Sangiacomo, The Plain Dealer )

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gov. John Kasich broke ranks with the legislature's GOP leadership Tuesday, vetoing a bill crafted by some of the state's most conservative lawmakers, who believe wind and solar companies should compete against the state's entrenched power companies on their own.

Kasich's veto follows a campaign by environmental, business and consumer groups opposing the legislation.

Many of them celebrated the veto on Tuesday. Here are some of their comments.

The League of Women Voters of Ohio:

"While states such as Michigan and Illinois go forward with renewable energy, the Ohio Legislature seems determined to anchor us in the last century," said Al Rosenfield, the league's lobbyist. "We are pleased that HB 554 has been vetoed by Governor Kasich. We urge the General Assembly to sustain the veto, so that Ohio can move forward."

Advanced Energy Economy:

Today, Governor Kasich's principled leadership has given Ohio an opportunity to get back on track," said J.R. Tolbert, vice president for state policy. "He stood behind his commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency, allowing Ohio to regain its competitive advantage nationally. "Governor Kasich understands that renewable energy and energy efficiency create jobs and save money. That's a formula that is good for business and good for every Ohioan."

"The two-year freeze has cost Ohio jobs and investments. In the last three years, while Ohio has been idling, Michigan has attracted over $1.1 billion in renewable energy investments," said Ted Ford, president of Ohio Advanced Energy Economy.

The Environmental Defense Fund:

"Today Governor Kasich put economic growth over politics, and stood up for a cleaner, healthier energy future for Ohio. With the state's renewable and efficiency standards back in place, Ohio can reclaim its spot as a clean energy leader, clearing the way for well-paying jobs, millions in investment, and healthier air for all. Ohioans should cheer - it may be winter, but the clean energy freeze has finally thawed," said Dick Munson, director, Midwest Clean Energy.

The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter:

We commend Gov.Kasich for vetoing the Ohio Legislature's attempt to tie our state to outdated, dirty, and expensive energy sources. The world is doubling down on wind, solar, and energy efficiency, and Ohio's robust manufacturing base is now in a better position to maximize that opportunity," said Jenn Miller, director. "The return of energy efficiency and renewable energy standards will benefit all Ohioans, as Ohio's clean energy programs result in lower energy costs, job creation, and improved air quality. We encourage Gov. Kasich to continue to move forward with clean energy policies that will benefit our state for years to come."

The Union of Concerned Scientists:

Governor Kasich showed real leadership today. By vetoing House Bill 554, he has sent a strong message to the clean energy market that Ohio is serious about creating jobs and spurring investment in that industry," said Melanie Moore, Midwest field director.

"The Union of Concerned Scientists has been working in coordination with local experts and activists for several years to lift the renewable energy standard freeze to create a win-win situation for the state's economy and the environment. Governor Kasich's actions have shown that he too believes Ohio families and businesses benefit when the state's energy policy includes strong renewable energy and energy efficiency commitments.

EDP Renewables

"This courageous decision by the Governor is a positive step towards reaping a critical economic benefit for Ohio," said Ryan Brown, executive vice president for eastern U.S. and Canada. "Reforming siting rules to allow Ohio communities that want to host wind farms to do so is the next step in taking advantage of this local resource." EDPR is a Madrid-based international solar developer, which is completing a 100 megawatt project in Paulding County. The wind farm will power Amazon's new data center in central Ohio.

The National Audubon Society:

"Conservative politics and profitable clean energy go hand-in-hand. Governor Kasich gets it and Ohioans owe him a big thanks," said David Yarnold, Audubon president and CEO.

"Audubon has long supported the reinstatement of Ohio's clean energy standards," said Marnie Urso, Audubon's senior program manager in Ohio. "Energy efficiency and renewable energy are vital components to protecting Ohio's birds, wildlife and people from the threats of pollution and climate change."

The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

"I applaud Gov. Kasich for showing true leadership and vetoing this bill. HB 554 is a sloppy piece of legislation that could increase electric bills and clog our air with pollution while hampering innovation and job growth," said Heather Taylor-Miesle, president. "We urge legislators to follow Gov. Kasich's lead and allow Ohio's clean energy potential to be unleashed."

MOMS Clean Air Force:

"The 40,000 members of Moms Clean Air Force in Ohio are so proud of Governor Kasich for standing by his pledge to veto legislation that stifled clean energy development in our state," sai Laura Burns, Ohio coordinator,

"We know there is a connection between an investment in clean energy technologies and a reduction in harmful emissions. By vetoing House Bill 554, Gov Kasich has not only demonstrated his commitment to a clean energy economy in Ohio, but he has also ensured that our children will be protected from air pollution. We thank Governor Kasich for his leadership."

The Environmental Law & Policy Center:

"The governor's veto today is a positive step towards a clean energy future for Ohio. Ohio needs a balanced energy policy that includes renewable energy and energy efficiency. Business owners in the state's renewable energy sector and energy efficiency sectors need certainty about Ohio's direction so they can continue to invest in the state and create jobs," said Rob Kelter, senior attorney.

"This balanced approach also benefits Ohio utility customers because it will help lower their bills. Opponents of clean energy have distorted this debate from the start.

The Christian Coalition of Ohio:

"[The coalition] applauds Governor John Kasich for his veto of HB554, which failed to provide clean energy standards for Ohio and would have perpetuated market uncertainty for Ohio's families and small businesses. The Christian Coalition of Ohio/CCA believes all families should have access to reliable renewable and alternative energy source."

The Nature Conservancy:

"Gov. Kasich should be applauded for vetoing legislation that would have extended the current freeze on Ohio's clean energy standards. Before they were frozen, the standards helped cut pollution and energy bills while creating thousands of jobs and bringing millions of investor dollars to the state. The legislation - rushed through the General Assembly during its post-election session - would have ceded Ohio's leadership on clean energy to other states. The standards will come back in 2017, thanks to Gov. Kasich."

The Natural Resources Defense Council:

Gov.Kasich's veto of HB 554 is a rare rejection of legislation passed by the Ohio legislature's Republican super-majority, which failed to muster a veto-proof vote margin for the energy bill. Over the last year, Gov. Kasich had repeatedly promised to veto such legislation, calling any further delays in implementing the clean energy standards "unacceptable." His veto is a signal to the growing number of businesses that want clean energy that they can find it in Ohio, not just in Michigan and Illinois, two neighboring states led by Republican governors that have recently upped the ante on their own clean energy standards.

Ohio Consumers' Counsel:

"The Governor's veto will help protect Ohioans' electric bills. I look forward to working with legislators in the future toward maximizing consumer benefits from energy efficiency, while limiting the costs and profits that utilities' charge consumers for energy efficiency programs. Our goal is to reduce what Ohioans pay for electricity."