To the Editor: There’s good news in BG charter amendment

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Good news…..The Charter Amendment does not require an absurd 100% immediate switch to renewables
as the city has misrepresented and used to bend the will of the public.Instead, the Charter Amendment
encourages increasing the amount of renewables used to generate electricity which will help us avoid future
drastic swings in the price volatility of fossil fuels.…more good news:Of the 150 other communities across
the US that have passed Bills of Rights similar to BG’s Charter Amendment, none have experienced utility
rate hikes or business declines as a result.So why is it necessary for BG City Administrators and local
business organizations to use a PAC to oppose the Charter Amendment? What are they trying to protect? And
why is the city using a preposterous scenario (an immediate switch to 100% renewables) as a foundation for
their counter campaign.Those advocating for business-as-usual and fossil fuel generated electricity don’t
want the people of Bowling Green to exercise their right to self governance by passing the Charter
Amendment. The city is using a PAC and an erroneous report to defeat the Charter Amendment thereby denying
citizens reliable protection. Instead, they are using their influence and power to protect fossil fuel
related business.Valuable insight into Ohio’s use of coal and natural gas to generate electricity can be
gained by reading the September 2013 report, Managing Risk in Ohio: The Role of Clean Energy in a Reliable,
Diverse Power Supply
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/smart-energy-solutions/increase-renewables/renewable-energy-in-ohio.html
from the Union of Concerned Scientists, which states, "…strong evidence shows that wind and solar can
protect consumers against fossil fuel price volatility. Once built, the "fuel" to power wind
turbines and solar panels is free; whereas natural gas and coal prices are subject to dramatic swings. In
fact, coal and natural gas prices are projected to increase by 59 and 119 percent, respectively, in the
wholesale electricity market serving Ohio over the next 15 years."Vote YES on November 5 to adopt the
Charter Amendment.Don SmithBowling Green

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