News

2005 news releases

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority Releases Third Party Review
Of Ohio Coal Development Office

(Columbus, OH) The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) today received the report of an independent, third party review of the Ohio Coal Development Office (OCDO). The review was performed by Taratec Corporation and Energy Resources International, Inc. OCDO was transferred to OAQDA in July 2003.

“A comprehensive review of OCDO had never been done in its 21-year history. We wanted – and received – an impartial, factual assessment of the program’s accomplishments and strengths, as well as suggestions on how we can make improvements. It is clear from the Final Report that OCDO has served the state well, but has the potential to play an even larger role in Ohio’s future economic success,” said Mark R. Shanahan, OAQDA Executive Director.

OCDO was created by the Ohio General Assembly in November 1984. The agency co-funds the development and implementation of clean coal technologies that can use Ohio coal in an economical, environmentally sound manner. OCDO funds also support coal and energy research projects taking place at Ohio universities and in the private sector.

OCDO accomplishments noted in the Final Report include:

• Some OCDO-funded projects have entered the marketplace as commercial clean coal technology products.
• OCDO has helped Ohio companies increase their sales of coal-related products and services.
• The leveraging of funds by OCDO is significant – three dollars leveraged for every dollar invested by OCDO in research, development, and deployment.
• OCDO is regarded nationwide as a model university technology research program.
• OCDO is recognized as the most effective of all state coal programs in gaining national recognition and the confidence of the national coal community.

“We feel that OCDO has accomplished a great deal over the years, especially in light of constantly shifting developments in the global energy market, evolving air quality regulations, and challenges involved in the use of Ohio coal. Nevertheless, we already have begun work on areas where obvious improvements are necessary,” Shanahan said.

The Final Report noted that, for a number of years, OCDO did not produce a statutorily mandated Ohio Coal Development Agenda for submission to the Governor and General Assembly. When a draft of the Final Report was received by OAQDA in July, Shanahan immediately directed OCDO staff to begin making preparations to develop and distribute an Ohio Coal Development Agenda no later than December 31, 2005.

Among the “challenges” noted in the Final Report are:

• The lack of a carefully defined strategic plan, including quantified goals and timetables and regular assessments, makes it very difficult to measure achievement.
• Current operating budget levels appear to be too low to keep staff levels at “critical mass” and to support necessary program activities.
• OCDO needs to improve its capabilities in market research and energy economic analysis.
• Project selection and tracking after grant completion need to be improved to assure best use of limited resources.

The Report also examined broader issues and challenges regarding Ohio coal production in an economic environment where many external factors can impact the viability of Ohio coal in the marketplace. Shanahan said this and many other matters will be addressed as the OCDO strategic plan is developed in the coming months.

“The Final Report provides us with excellent direction on how to move forward, and we are eager to help a good agency become even better,” Shanahan said.

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Editors: A copy of the Third Party Review of the Ohio Coal Development Office Final Report is available on the OAQDA website, at www.ohioairquality.org, or by calling 614-224-3383.