COLUMBUS — Flanked by alternative energy business owners, Gov. Ted Strickland on Wednesday accused Republican John Kasich of wanting to turn back the clock on policies designed to bring green energy jobs to Ohio.

In 2008, Ohio adopted a new law that requires that by 2025 a quarter of the electricity used in Ohio come from advanced energy sources such as clean coal, nuclear, biomass, wind or solar. At least 12.5 percent of the advanced energy must be generated in Ohio. It also calls for a 22 percent reduction in overall energy use by 2025.

But during a meeting last week with the Dayton Daily News editorial board, Kasich indicated he would repeal the renewable energy standards if they proved too costly for utility companies and consumers.

“If it drives up costs to consumers, going to drive up utility bills because we don’t have it ready and we have to go and buy it somewhere else at a very high price. I don’t like that,” Kasich said in response to a question of whether he disagrees with the 25 percent mandate.

When he was asked if he would seek to repeal the 25 percent mandate, Kasich said, “Only if I were to determine that it is unrealistic and that it’ll drive up prices.”

But Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols said on Wednesday, “John does not oppose the renewable energy standard and would not seek to repeal it. He supports increasing renewable generation in Ohio in a way that expands our energy choices. He wants to do everything possible to prevent Ohio’s utilities from having to buy expensive electricity from other states and raise prices on businesses and homeowners. One of the greatest threats to Ohio’s long-term competitiveness is Ted Strickland’s support for the Obama climate change policies which will kill Ohio’s low-cost coal power and cripple our manufacturing jobs.”

Strickland criticized Kasich, saying he often talks off the cuff and without detail. “It is an example of shallow and uninformed rhetoric,” Strickland said.

Strickland said the new law has helped spur renewable energy projects in Ohio, including plans for 475 wind turbines at seven sites. Ohio currently has only four wind turbines in the Bowling Green area.

The governor also on Wednesday signed an executive order implementing the elimination of Ohio’s tangible personal property tax and real property tax for advanced energy projects that begin construction by Dec. 31, 2011, produce energy by 2013 and create jobs.