Kathiann M. Kowalski, Author at Cleveland Scene

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

An aerial shot of the Port of Cleveland.

News & Views

Cleveland Port’s ‘Electrification Hub’ Expected to Anchor Progress Toward Net-Zero Emissions

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority was the first port on the Great Lakes to announce a net-zero emissions goal

by Kathiann M. Kowalski May 20, 2024June 2, 2025

News & Views

HB 6 Updates: Emails Reveal What Ohio utility Execs Thought About Money-Losing Coal Plants

It appears utility companies knew they were money-losers that cost taxpayers millions

by Kathiann M. Kowalski March 25, 2024April 24, 2025

News & Views

Court Dismisses Appeal to Block Drilling and Fracking Under Ohio Park and Wildlife Areas

The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission is expected to begin acting on bids this week

by Kathiann M. Kowalski February 26, 2024December 25, 2024

News & Views

Cleveland Summit Spotlights Growing Corporate Interest in Clean Energy Projects

Corporate commitments and federal incentives help bolster the business case for clean energy projects, easing the path to getting projects off the ground.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski February 22, 2024January 2, 2025

News & Views

How a Koch-Linked Group Stalled a Bipartisan Ohio Energy Efficiency Bill at the Last Minute

Just before an expected vote to let Ohio utilities offer voluntary energy saving programs to customers, the Ohio chapter of Americans for Prosperity issued a “key vote alert”

by Kathiann M. Kowalski January 11, 2024February 23, 2024

News & Views

Anonymously Funded Group Stokes Local Opposition to Ohio Solar Project

Critics say Knox Smart Development is spreading misinformation, and there are clues that suggest links to the natural gas industry.

by Kathiann M. Kowalski December 21, 2023January 7, 2025

News & Views

Randazzo Indictment Sparks Renewed Calls for Full Regulatory Review in Ohio

“The fox was literally running and in control of the henhouse”

by Kathiann M. Kowalski December 11, 2023June 23, 2025

News & Views

A Coal Company Got a Big Payback From Ohio’s Corrupt HB6 Bill

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel estimates coal subsidies have cost ratepayers nearly $221 million since 2020

by Kathiann M. Kowalski November 24, 2023May 31, 2025

News & Views

Ohio Oil and Gas Industry Accident Data Boost Worries About Drilling Under State Parks

Even quickly cleaned-up releases involve chemicals that can be toxic, and hundreds of “minor” incidents belie the industry’s claims that there are few problems

by Kathiann M. Kowalski October 27, 2023June 5, 2025