50,000 Ohio jobs linked to energy loan fund
Jul 06 - Dayton Daily News
A multibillion-dollar revolving loan fund could bring more than 50,000
jobs to Ohio and create a renewable energy economy, advocates say.
But Congress first has to pass a climate and energy bill -- a thorny
proposition loaded with likely partisan clashes.
Among those endorsing the legislation is Steve Melink, owner of Melink
Corp. of Milford. His 65-employee company is the general contractor for
Dayton Power & Light's new solar power array at the Mound Advanced
Technology Center.
Besides constructing arrays, Melink Corp. also works with major
companies nationwide in ventilation systems. "It will not only be good
for our economy, but our national security and environment," Melink
said. He called for an end to "dithering in Congress" as competition in
the renewable energy industry heats up from abroad.
What's been dubbed the "Investments for Manufacturing Progress
and Clean Technology Act," or IMPACT, would be a $30 billion revolving
loan fund. It was incorporated in legislation now a part of the energy
bill passed by the U.S. House. In May, Policy Matters Ohio estimated
IMPACT could create between 41,063 and 52,214 new jobs in Ohio during 10
years.
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, the act's author, said the fund would
provide access to credit for small- and medium-sized manufacturers to
retool for the renewable energy industry and position Ohio as the
"Silicon Valley" of the shift.
The National Republican Committee last week attacked Brown's support of
federal stimulus, including energy projects. "Sherrod Brown should
explain why he supports the Obama administration's out-of-control tax
and spend policies when they have resulted in 10.7 percent unemployment
in Ohio and a skyrocketing national debt," said spokesman Ryan
Tronovitch.
Following a 90-minute meeting between President Obama and senators on
June 29, the White House said Obama wants polluters to pay a large share
of the cost for a new energy economy.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7407 or sbennish@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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