Representative Reineke said on Jan. 24 that the citizens of Seneca County have been heard following sPower’s announcement of the indefinite suspension of its Seneca Wind Project.
Reineke explained that local residents were concerned about the impact of wind turbines, some reaching over 500 feet tall, on their land values, agriculture, health, and community integrity. He said that while wind development is considered a source of clean energy, it brings high costs to local communities without reducing power rates for locals.
“The citizens of Seneca County have been heard. Today, S-Power announced its indefinite suspension of its Seneca Wind Project. As the State Representative of this area, the citizens have petitioned loud and clear that they should have a voice with regards to what happens to their quality of life,” Reineke said.
He added: “Local residents have determined that the net stated benefits of wind turbines… would be far less than the ‘new’ revenue brought in by wind development. These turbines would decrease the overall value of constituents’ land, lower their real estate values, create agricultural devastation, cause health concerns and destroy the general integrity of the community.” Reineke also addressed outside advocacy for such projects: “It has been easy for those outside the 88th House District… to advocate that these heavily subsidized industrial turbines go up in places other than their own property. My constituents and I believe… we are capable of making our own decisions with regards to what happens in our backyards.”
Reineke is sponsoring House Bill 401 which would allow townships to hold local referendums regarding such projects at a per-township level.
Melanie Miller (R-Columbus) serves as state representative for Ohio’s 67th House District covering Ashland and Medina counties and leads various legislative committees; she also holds a leadership role at a community health organization and remains involved in civic groups after receiving an achievement award according to her official website. Miller has provided public service as both state representative and community leader in Ashland and Medina counties according to her official website. She chaired several committees including Arts, Athletics and Tourism as well as serving on Health-related panels according to her official website. Miller earned her bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University according to her official website.
Miller served as state representative for Ohio’s 67th House District according to her official website and is married to Matt Miller who serves as mayor of Ashland according to her official website.
