Kathiann M. Kowalski, Author at Cleveland Scene

Are Faked Public Comments About to Tank an Ohio Solar Farm?

At least 34 submitted comments gave false names or lied about their residence in Morrow County, giving the impression of widespread local opposition that didn’t exist.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

Ohio News

This Ohio County Banned Wind and Solar. Now, Residents Are Pushing Back

Richland County forbade large-scale renewable energy in most townships. Next May, voters will have a chance to reject the rules in a first-of-its-kind referendum.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski December 26, 2025December 26, 2025

Ohio News

Ohio Scrapped a Key Tool to Fight Air Pollution. Advocates Want It Back.

The air nuisance rule has helped advocates rein in pollution from coal-burning plants and other facilities. Without it, air quality could worsen.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

News & Views

A Coal-Burning Steel Plant May Thwart Cleveland’s Climate Goals

The facility is the city’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Advocates say its dirty blast furnaces need to be replaced with cleaner technology.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski September 26, 2025September 26, 2025

News & Views

In Appalachia, Fracking Is Not the Job Creator the Industry Claims

Oil and gas production isn’t translating to more jobs for residents of heavily fracked communities, new research shows.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski August 26, 2025September 4, 2025

News & Views

Ohio Finally Ends Subsidies for Two Scandal-Linked Coal Plants

Under the state’s infamous HB6 law, customers had to pay over half a billion dollars to keep the two 1950s-era plants running. A new law ends the subsidies this month.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski August 11, 2025September 9, 2025

News & Views

Ohio Supreme Court Weighs High-Stakes Solar Permitting Case

Local government opposition sank a proposed solar farm’s permit. The developer says state regulators failed to consider whether the pushback was rooted in evidence.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski March 19, 2025May 29, 2025

News & Views

Ohio High Court Races Will Decide Future of State’s Energy Transition and Utility Fairness

Expect judges to weigh questions about siting solar and wind generation, Ohio’s ongoing corruption scandal, refunds for consumers, oil and gas drilling, and more.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski October 15, 2024August 12, 2025

News & Views

Ohio Coal Plant Subsidies Still a Bad Deal for Ratepayers Despite Growing Generation Demand

Experts say coal plants that are part of bailout bill are likely to remain unprofitable

by Kathiann M. Kowalski August 23, 2024September 29, 2024

News & Views

Climate Change Contributing to Shift in Lake Erie’s Harmful Algal Blooms

“Blooms are starting earlier. They’re lasting longer. Their peaks are larger. So, by some measures, they’re getting worse”

by Kathiann M. Kowalski August 16, 2024March 10, 2025

News & Views

Consequences Continue as Bill at Center of Ohio Utility Corruption Scandal Marks Fifth Anniversary

Ratepayers are still paying coal plant subsidies and clean energy standards remain gutted five years after lawmakers passed HB 6, the bailout law at the heart of the largest corruption scandal in state history.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski July 24, 2024May 15, 2025