Andrew Boatright has recently resigned as the Public Member of the Ohio Power Siting Board. He is sharing this message with IEEE hoping to solicit any interest that IEEE members may have in serving in this capacity. The following excerpt from the OPSB website provides information about the duties of the OPSB and the Board make-up:

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) is responsible for reviewing and approving plans for the construction of new energy facilities in Ohio. Before any company can build a major utility facility like a new power plant, or an electric transmission line, or a gas transmission pipeline, the OPSB assures that it benefits Ohio's citizens, promotes the state's economic interests, and protects the environment and land use.

Who makes up the Ohio Power Siting Board?

The chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) serves as the chairman of the Ohio Power Siting Board. The Board is comprised of 11 members, seven who vote and four who are non-voting members. In addition to the chairman, the other six voting members are:

The directors of:
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency;
Ohio Department of Agriculture;
Ohio Department of Development;
Ohio Department of Health;
Ohio Department of Natural Resources;
and a public member.

The public representative, who must be a licensed engineer, is appointed by the Governor from a list of nominees submitted by the Ohio Consumers' Counsel.

The four non-voting members are legislators -- two from the Ohio House of Representatives and two from the Ohio Senate.

Andrew would be happy to answer any questions that anyone might have concerning this. He may be contacted as follows:

Andrew M. Boatright, P.E., Manager
City of Westerville Electric Division
139 East Broadway Avenue
Westerville, OH 43081
Telephone: 614-901-6703
Fax: 614-901-6731
Email: Andrew.Boatright@westerville.org