Kathiann M. Kowalski, Author at Cleveland Scene

Confusing Ballot Wording May Have Tipped Ohio County’s Vote on Renewables Ban

Exit polling suggests Richland County would have elected to repeal its wind and solar ban, if not for residents who mistakenly voted in favor of the restriction.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski May 12, 2026May 12, 2026

Ohio News

An Ohio Court May OK Fracking-Waste Wells Despite Pollution Concerns

A legal challenge to the fossil fuel project faces dismissal, which would let the developer advance even as similar local pushback stifles Ohio’s solar buildout.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

Ohio News

What to Expect as FirstEnergy Corruption Trial Heads for a Do-Over

Two former FirstEnergy executives will head to a retrial after a deadlocked jury the first time around.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

Ohio News

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