Member of Power Siting Board explains process to decide on Youngstown First Energy

With dozens, if not hundreds of folks coming out against First Energy’s monopole project to shore up downtown Youngstown’s power grid, the growing outcry is catching the attention of those deciding whether to allow it.

“I’m going to do everything I can to make it known that this project is not a project that the community supports,” says Jeff Crossman, one of the 11 members of the Ohio Power Siting Board. Seven of those members – appointed by Governor DeWine vote. The other four, including Crossman, don’t.

He told 21 News Thursday that the more the public rails against this project, the more it could influence the board’s decision.

“We’ll make sure their voices are heard on the Power Siting Board, that’s my purpose on the board, to ask all the right questions and push really hard if we think this is a bad project,” said Crossman, adding that the project probably won’t come up at the board’s next meeting on the 17th.

That buys critical time for those opposed to plead their case, and in Crossman’s view, more time for First Energy to find an alternative.

“They need to go back to the drawing board and find a better way to meet the utility needs of the customers there,” he said. When we asked him if he thinks the voting members of the board will agree with him, he said “I hope so, it’s up to us to make sure that we hear the voices of the people.”

Crossman also indicated he would be open to attending future meetings organized by those opposed to the project.

In the meantime, he encourages them to continue to submit comments to the Power Siting Board, which you can do by CLICKING HERE. You can also find out more about the board itself HERE.