(November 19, 2025) House Bill (HB) 303, which passed the Ohio House of Representatives today with bipartisan support, will establish a community energy program in the state, allowing individuals, small businesses and community organizations to subscribe to offsite solar projects and receive credit on their electricity bill for the power produced. It now moves to the state Senate for their consideration.
Statement from Marnie Urso, Senior Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes:
“HB 303 is an important opportunity for expanding access to clean energy across Ohio. If cherished birds like the Black-throated Green Warbler have a future in the state, it depends on promoting solar power and other renewable energy solutions. This bill does that by creating new opportunities for Ohioans who cannot install their own solar panels or other generation sources.
“Expanding renewable energy is needed to protect the two-thirds of North American birds at risk of extinction due to our warming climate. We know that what’s good for birds is good for people. A community energy program in Ohio will expand access to local clean energy, lower electricity costs for consumers and help ensure that energy is reliably delivered to homes and businesses across Ohio.
“By reducing the harmful emissions caused by non-renewable energy generation, we can ensure cleaner air and water and improve the health of our communities. We also know that we can advance clean energy development while prioritizing wildlife habitat by working collaboratively with communities and industry to ensure that projects are planned with birds and people in mind.
“We thank the House for passing this important legislation, and Audubon members for speaking up on this important issue. We urge the Senate to act swiftly on HB 303 and pass comprehensive legislation to create Ohio's first community energy pilot program.”
About Audubon Great Lakes
Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org.
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety
