American Electric Power Ohio has been in a legal battle with the federal Environmental Protection Agency for many weeks. Today the company announced plans to venture toward greener pastures and utilize solar power fields. The Noble County solar field will supply nearly 50 megawatts of power, making it the largest solar facility in the Buckeye State.
A total of 750 acres of old coal mining land near Zanesville will be the future location of the plant, which is expected to be completed by 2015. The eco-friendly project is expected to create nearly 700 construction and temporary jobs as well as 700 permanent jobs for area workers. The electric company giant will invest nearly $20 million in the clean energy endeavor. Ohio's unemployment rate will likely decrease due to AEP's growing interest in renewable energy fields and technology.
The Turning Point Solar project is a joint venture between California based Agile Energy, AEP Ohio and Gahanna, Ohio-based New Harvest Ventures. Last month, AEP began projecting layoffs and plant closures due to costly new EPA mandates. The alternative energy company will not harm the wildlife at the adjacent The Wilds animal refuge during the building or operation of the facility. The photovoltaic solar array will be interwoven through forested and prairie areas and include a planting phase so the soil will replenish itself and a carbon sink is created. A new wildlife area will also be created on the acreage of the solar field as well.
Possible closures and staff reductions at multiple Ohio plants became an economic issue for Ohioans rather than a political or ideological debate. Although liberal Democrats typically favor "green" initiatives, both statewide and local elected officials were bombarded with concerns from worried constituents. The desire to protect the environment was directly at odds with the need for AEP employees to keep putting food on the table for their families. Hopefully workers who may be displaced if the company cannot comply with new environment safety in a cost efficient manner can find jobs at the new solar facility.
New Harvest Ventures is located in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, and is a publicly owned utility company. The group of Earth-friendly operators is working in conjunction with clean energy investors, local colleges, solar manufacturers and the Department of Energy to bring renewable technology and green energy alternatives to Ohio. Enhancing solar power opportunities in the Midwest will create living wage jobs while fostering better stewardship of our natural resources. Once the cost of solar panels becomes more affordable for middle class Ohioans, the Buckeye State will have the opportunity to become a shining star of the eco-energy movement.
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