Ohio Businesses Leaders Talk Energy Policy in D.C.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A group of Ohio business leaders is working together to ensure comprehensive climate legislation isn't forgotten in Congress. They joined business leaders from other states in Washington D.C. this week to push for energy and climate policies they say will spur job creation, reduce harmful emissions and help the United States become a leader in the global clean energy economy.

Eric Zimmer, CEO of Tipping Point Renewable Energy in Columbus, a green-energy company, explains what the group told lawmakers.

"We don't have a coherent energy policy in the U.S. and we haven't for a long time. Putting a price on carbon and limiting emissions is a very good way to be more transparent about what's happening and set the right incentives in place."

Zimmer's company provides renewable energy and efficiency products and services to individuals and businesses. With the right policies in place, he believes Ohio can turn its economy around and use its manufacturing base to become a leader in alternative energy.

"Ohio has been hit very hard by this recession. We've been hit particularly hard by the loss of the automakers. Our manufacturing sector has been decimated, and we see energy as a transforming source."

Real estate energy consultant Herman Bulls says, with legislation before the Senate in limbo, there's uncertainty that's holding back investments that businesses are ready to make. Meantime, a workforce is standing by to start producing for the world, he adds.

"We think of ourselves as the innovators in terms of research, manufacturing, transportation, insulation, and construction."

Critics of proposed legislation include those who argue pollution controls and carbon regulations would cause energy rates to increase, and are concerned about the fairness of a national auction of emissions credits. Zimmer and his colleagues say new regulations would provide an incentive for businesses to reduce emissions and direct their long-term investments to clean energy sources.