COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio state lawmakers listened to further testimony Wednesday in the effort to repeal House Bill 6. That is the controversial bill at the center of the investigation into former House Speaker Larry Householder and the $1.3 billion bailout for two nuclear power plants.

For the fourth time, the House Energy Policy and Oversight Committee heard testimony from proponents of two different bills aimed at getting rid of HB 6. In previous hearings, it was lawmakers doing the talking. On Wednesday, leaders from alternative energy sectors joined the fight and advocated for their interests.

"There are a lot of variables that contribute to Ohio's emerging position as a solar powerhouse," said Jason Rafeld, Executive Director of the Utility Scale Solar Energy Coalition of Ohio.

USSEC is made of up different solar developers, manufacturers and industry leaders throughout the state. Rafeld said the Buckeye State does not know what it is missing with solar energy.

"Ohio's utility scale solar industry has the potential to create more than $18 billion in economic activity supporting tens of thousands of jobs," Rafeld said.

But Ohio needs wind energy as well according to the Director of EDP Renewables North America, Erin Bowser. EDP is the largest developer, owner, and operator of utility scale wind in Ohio and is the fourth largest in the world. Bowser thinks Ohio has an opportunity, through wind, for cleaner energy and the potential to attract billions in investments.

"Since 2008, Ohio has never fallen short of a renewable energy benchmark nor has it come close to hitting the statutory cost cap created to protect ratepayers," said Bowser.

Bowser said Ohio could do more. She was hired in 2008 after the state senate passed the alternative energy standard. That has enabled EDP to invest $700 million in Ohio to diversify its electricity portfolio.

"House Bill 6 sent an equally powerful but opposite message (and) that Ohio is perhaps less concerned with new investment and instead has prioritized propping up aging legacy plants," Bowser said.

Bowser said her company has now de-emphasized Ohio and started looking elsewhere. She believes that would change if House Bill 6 were repealed.

"But rather than pit technologies against each other, we encourage the state to leverage the strength of each and maximize the contributions that can come from various energy sectors," explained Bowser.

In a statement, Chairman Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) said the committee "is still reviewing and determining its next steps" when it comes to House Bill 6.