OH HB464

Establishes wind energy companies and solar energy companies as public utilities subject to taxation under Chapter 5727 of the Revised Code, with minimum nameplate capacity thresholds of 250 kilowatts.

Exempts tangible personal property of qualified wind and solar energy projects from taxation for up to 20 years (tax years 2011-2030) if certified by the Director of Development and meeting specified conditions.

Requires owners or lessees of exempt qualified energy projects to make annual service payments in lieu of taxes based on nameplate capacity: $7 per kilowatt for solar projects and $6-$8 per kilowatt for wind projects (depending on Ohio employee ratios), increasing 2% annually.

Imposes compliance requirements on qualified energy projects including prevailing wage standards, 5% minority business enterprise procurement goals, 10% minority workforce goals, road repairs, emergency responder training, and maintenance of 50-80% Ohio-domiciled employee ratios.

For wind and solar projects exceeding 2 megawatts nameplate capacity, requires establishment of educational partnerships with Ohio universities or apprenticeship programs and offers power/renewable energy credits to electric utilities subject to renewable energy requirements.