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AEP Announces Big Renewable Energy Commitment

solar panel
Credit Sergey Edentod/SHUTTERSTOCK
AEP Ohio says it will double wind and solar generation in Ohio.

AEP Ohio has announced a commitment to eventually double wind and solar generation in Ohio. The proposal is the next step in their plan to move away from coal power.

Supporters say the plan sends a signal around the country to clean energy companies. Neil Waggoner, with the Sierra Club, which agreed to support the plan in 2015, says AEP’s project and the state’s renewable energy standards are a signal to solar and wind developers.

“If we just get out of our own way we’re gonna see more commitments like what AEP is trying to do and we’re gonna see Ohio clean energy just really take off.”

Ohio lawmakers have tried repealing the standards mandating wind and solar power. A bill to change those standards could come up again after the November election.

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.