TOLEDO —”Ohio’s energy future must become a more prominent issue in this year’s political campaigns, given its role as a key swing state. Ohio also is a battleground for the nation’s energy-policy debate, considering its proximity to the Great Lakes.
The lakes get most of their pollution from toxic air releases that settle on the water. The EPA’s mercury rule is projected to bring down emissions of that dangerous neurotoxin by 79 percent from 2010 levels starting in 2015.
The Obama Administration, with help from U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio), has staved off an intense effort by Republican lawmakers to undo the mercury rule. But such misguided attempts at repeal are likely to continue.
Ohio’s future energy markets and public health, as well as the health of the Great Lakes region, will be greatly influenced by the outcome of this fall’s election. Ohio has made progress in reducing air pollution, but has far to go. State and federal policy makers should build on, not demolish, what’s already in place.”
— editorial, Toledo Blade
