Overview
- On October 6, organizers mailed a letter signed by more than 220 residents asking the agency to rescind the air permit and release any recent inspection results.
- Ohio EPA told WFMJ the permit may be transferred to a new owner or operator with notice to regulators within 30 days.
- SOBE is under PUCO-ordered receivership, and Wabash Power Equipment repossessed steam plant equipment in September.
- Opponents warn the permit could be treated as a saleable asset during receivership, a concern they say was confirmed by the city’s assistant city attorney.
- Youngstown City Council’s appeal to the Environmental Appeals Commission remains pending, as the court-appointed receiver reviews the permit and steam service continues to 28 downtown buildings.