Vorys Attorney Plays Key Role in Buckeye Wind Project Approval

On March 22, 2010, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approved the Buckeye Wind Project, which will consist of the construction of a 54-turbine commercial wind farm in Champaign County.  The application for the project, filed by Vorys partner M. Howard Petricoff, was the first submitted in Ohio for the development of a wind farm.  With the approval of the OPSB, the Buckeye Wind Project also becomes the first large-scale wind farm approved for construction in the state.  

“The approval of the Buckeye Wind Project is a significant step for the future of wind energy in Ohio,” said Petricoff.  “Wind energy is a clean and abundant source that has many environmental benefits and will be available for future generations.” 

Ohio Senate Bill 221, which became effective July 31, 2008, established alternative energy benchmarks requiring that 25 percent of all the electricity used in Ohio be generated from renewable or advanced energy resources by 2025.  

Vorys attorneys are working on a number of additional wind and renewable energy projects in the state, and continue to provide legal guidance and advice to companies regarding Ohio’s renewable energy requirements.