PCFO TO RECOGNIZE SUSTAINABILITY LEADERS AT CLEAN ENERGY CHAMPIONS AWARDS EVENT
Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) is set to host the third Clean Energy Champions Awards at Ohio State University’s Ohio Union on October 8, 2026. This awards dinner recognizes outstanding local leaders and communities across the state for their accomplishments in equitably achieving carbon emission reductions and implementing clean energy solutions.
The organization recently announced that former Governor of Washington and climate champion Jay Inslee will deliver the keynote address, and Mayor of Lima Sharetta Smith will provide opening remarks.
“Ohio is home to some of the most innovative, ambitious local government leaders in the country. We are excited to recognize the communities that are stepping up to provide practical clean energy solutions to today’s affordability crisis. These leaders are building Ohio’s clean energy future now, ” said PCFO Executive Director Joe Flarida. “We’re honored that Governor Inslee will be joining us, and we are incredibly proud to provide a celebratory platform where local leaders can be recognized amongst their peers for the incredible work they’re doing.”
The organization will recognize three municipal staff members working on sustainability with Clean Energy Staff Champion Awards. PCFO will also present three marquee awards.
Finalists for the Clean Energy Champion Award, given to a community for its innovative approach to investing in clean energy to build a better future for its residents, are the City of Cincinnati, the City of Cuyahoga Falls, the City of Fairfield, and the City of Gahanna.
The Energy Justice Champion Award is given to a community's commitment and action to achieve energy justice for all residents. 2026 finalists are the City of Cincinnati, the City of Columbus, the City of Dayton, and the City of Lakewood.
The Environmental Champion Award recognizes a community for its innovative approach to protecting and investing in the environment to build a better future. Finalists include the City of Cleveland Heights, the City of Columbus, the City of Geneva, the City of Worthington.
Power a Clean Future would like to thank its event sponsors Nutter Consulting, the Ohio Mayors Alliance, the Ohio Environmental Council, Data Driven Narratives, Ohio Citizen Action, the Nature Conservancy, Heads Up, Ohio!, and D3Energy.