Sierra Club blasts “Stop SB58” via billboard at statehouse, online media and text alerts to warn consumers of rate hikes and corporate handouts
The ad.
The Sierra Club has launched aggressive advertising against a state senate bill’s attempts to slash Ohio’s clean energy law that creates jobs, saves Ohioans money on their electricity bills and protects public health. Legislators are now weighing whether to give big utilities like American Electric Power and FirstEnergy corporate handouts while raising Ohioans’ electricity bills — one of many consequences if Senate Bill 58, sponsored by Senator Bill Seitz, is passed.
“It’s not surprising that AEP, despite having spent money for years telling its customers about the value of energy efficiency, is willing to change its tune on a dime as soon as the legislature is willing to give them handouts,” said Daniel Sawmiller, senior campaign representative for the Sierra Club, which has participated in the development of AEP’s energy efficiency programs since 2008.
The push to roll back clean energy laws has been considered and rejected in several other states. In Ohio, businesses and consumer groups are leading the fight against Senate Bill 58 because they support the state’s existing law and the billions of dollars in electricity bill savings it is projected to bring.
A research group at The Ohio State University studying Senate Bill 58 updated a report from earlier this year which shows that if passed, the legislation will cost Ohio’s electric customers $3.94 billion over 12 years. Another study commissioned by the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association found that the bill would kill $2.5 billion in projected energy efficiency savings from 2014 through 2020.
“We remain hopeful that AEP will choose to be on the right side of history and oppose this bill for the sake of Ohioans’ pocketbooks,” Sawmiller added.
The Sierra Club’s “Stop SB58” media blast includes online ads, text alerts and a digital billboard across the street from the statehouse. The ad points to a web address which tells consumers about the electricity bill savings at stake. Ohioans concerned about this bill are also being asked to text “SB58” to 69866, or call 1-888-701-6507. This hotline connects consumers to the governor’s office to voice concerns over the bill.
To view samples of the “Stop SB58” advertising, click here
Filed Under: News, Policy
