Rural Ohio may not immediately come to mind when one thinks of cutting edge energy policy. However, that is exactly what Athens has begun to do with solar power.
Executive Director of the Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council and Athens Township Trustee Eddie Smith is introducing a new solar program for the May 8 ballot. This program is a simple tax that individuals would be allowed to opt out of, if they choose. The program will collect a small $1-2 fee every month that will then be placed into a fund for solar development. I sincerely hope that the people of Athens take this proposal seriously. More and more, we are becoming aware of not only the need, but the potential for alternative energy production here at home.
The United States is fourth in solar energy production, behind China, Japan and Germany, but we also consume more energy per capita than any other. Citizens of the United States have an ecological footprint of 8.6 global hectares per person, while China’s GHP is only 3.6, Japan is at 5.0, and Germany is at 5.5. If we want to protect the natural beauty of our nation, that change must start, and soon. In that way, Athens appears to be acting like a microcosm of the nation right now – taking the necessary steps towards less pollution and consumption of energy from dirty sources.
If the U.S. wants to remain a global superpower and leader in the global community, ensuring that we have an environment to thrive in and energy to utilize should be a top priority. Lawmakers in Ohio and Washington should remain cognizant of their constituents and their voices – and follow Athens’ example. Aside from wanting a strong economy and a strong presence in the global economy, we need sustainable energy before we fall behind the rest of the world.
Joseph Wittman is a fourth-year at The Ohio State University studying political science and is a reader of The Post.
