Those who want a clear picture of the challenges facing Ohio’s economy would do well to take a look at the state Chamber of Commerce’s “Energy Permitting in Ohio: A Process Analysis,” which takes a look at just one industry, but reveals some larger truths.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation released the study at a policy forum Monday, where a number of stakeholders were discussing how to modernize the state’s energy permitting system and support growing demand.

“Ohio is in a period of unprecedented opportunity, but our energy capacity has to keep pace,” said Steve Stivers, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. “Our businesses, manufacturers and data centers need reliable, affordable, abundant energy. This study makes it clear that improving our permitting system is essential if we want to secure the jobs and investments of the future.”

To be fair, the study found that the permitting process DOES protect public interest, but at the cost of bottlenecks that result in an estimated $440 million loss in capital investment because of withdrawn energy projects. That means a loss of approximately 5,400 jobs, 9,000 megawatts of potential generation capacity and a potential $4.3 million in state income tax revenue.

Challenges include the length of permitting timelines — an average review takes approximately 540 days, when state law suggests it should be more like 150 days; bottlenecks in appeals and rehearings; a need to modernize the centralized permitting structure; and a need to expand eligibility for accelerated review pathways.

If such problems are slowing the expansion and development of the energy industry in Ohio, imagine how many others are hampered. Policymakers who peruse the energy permitting study should consider how much of it can help them understand what reforms could improve prospects for other industries, too.

As the expansion and diversification of Ohio’s economy continues to falter, we must explore every attempt to understand and find solutions to its challenges. A look at energy permitting is important, but it must be only the beginning.