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Renewable Energy: A Rural Economic Development Strategy CCAO/CEAO/OSU Extension Meeting Nancy Bowen, OSU Extension, Van Wert County Myra Moss, OSU Extension, Specialist Eric Romich, OSU Extension, Wyandot County. Presentation Objectives. What is renewable energy?
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Renewable Energy: A Rural Economic Development Strategy CCAO/CEAO/OSU Extension Meeting Nancy Bowen, OSU Extension, Van Wert County Myra Moss, OSU Extension, Specialist Eric Romich, OSU Extension, Wyandot County
Presentation Objectives • What is renewable energy? • What are the community benefits? • What support is out there? • How does your County exploit this opportunity?
Energy Demand is Growing “At present, the world’s population consumes about 15 terawatts of power. That translates into a business worth $6 trillion a year- about a tenth of the world’s economic output…by 2050, power consumption is likely to have risen to 30 terawatts.” The Power and the Glory The Economist, June 21, 2008
Renewable Energy • Energy generated from natural resources such as sunlight, rain, tides, wave action, biomass,ocean thermal and geothermal, which are naturally replenished (renewable). Energy Information Administration
Types of Renewables • Wind • Solar • Biomass
Benefits for Rural Counties Compatible with agriculture Future growth of industry Economic diversification & potential for industry clusters Build wealth through tax revenues and landowner payments Job creation
Location Factors Land availability Access to Infrastructure Access to raw materials and environmental factors Community Support
New Federal Legislation At the Federal Level: Recovery Act 2008 Farm Bill Bio-based assistance Rural energy
New State Legislation At the State of Ohio Level: • SB 221 • 3rd most aggressive renewable policy • 25% by 2025
Local Legislation Tax Implications at the county/local level: • Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) • Impact on Wind • Impact on Solar --Public Tangible Utility Tax • EZ zone agreement
Preparing Community through Sustainability Approach • Discover community’s vision • Balance social and environmental concerns with economic benefits • Engage residents in planning from start • Address concerns and issues
What Help can OSU Extension Provide? • Presentations to Community • Consultation • Educational Materials
Nancy Bowen Community Economic Development Educator Ohio State University Extension, Van Wert County 419-238-2999 Nbowen@cfaes.osu.edu Myra Moss Community Development Specialist Ohio State University Extension moss.63@osu.edu www.sustainabledevelpment.osu.edu Eric Romich Community Economic Development Educator Ohio State University Extension, Wyandot County 419-294-5879 eromich.2@osu.edu Contact Information: