Bipartisan Coalition of Ohio Mayors and Local Leaders Calls on Congress to Preserve Clean Energy Tax Credits

Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) has organized an open letter, signed by 30 mayors, county commissioners, and other local officials across Ohio, urging the state’s congressional delegation to preserve clean energy tax credits established in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. 

Notable signatories include local Democratic and Republican leaders spanning across the state such as Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, Athens Mayor Steve Patterson, Canton Mayor William V. Sherer, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin, Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith, Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley, and Warren Mayor William D. Franklin. Together, these and other officials represent a bipartisan coalition from communities across 13 of Ohio’s 15 congressional districts.

The provision, commonly known as “direct pay” allows state and local governments, as well as essential nonprofits such as schools, faith-based organizations, and hospitals, to access the same clean energy tax credits as the private sector. This enables them to invest in solar installations, electric vehicle fleet upgrades, geothermal systems, energy efficiency upgrades, and other cost-saving projects.

“The City of Gahanna leverages the Inflation Reduction Act’s elective pay provision to advance its sustainability goals while maximizing financial efficiency for taxpayers,” said Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin. “Elective pay allows municipalities like Gahanna to receive direct payments equivalent to federal tax credits—previously inaccessible to tax-exempt entities.”

Since the IRA was signed into law, local governments across Ohio have taken advantage of these clean energy incentives to reduce energy costs, create local jobs, and build healthier, more resilient communities. To date, over $10 billion has been invested in Ohio’s clean energy sector, resulting in over 14,000 new good-paying jobs.

“Direct pay has been a game-changer for Ohio, allowing communities to make cost-effective, long-term investments that benefit our economy and the environment,” said PCFO Executive Director Joe Flarida. “Without this provision, local governments and organizations wouldn’t be able to pursue critical projects, and Ohio’s economy would suffer.”

Local leaders in Ohio are already seeing those benefits in action. 

“Thanks to the direct pay provision, Toledo has benefitted from funding that transforms our community and ensures our future development needs,” said Toledo City Council Member Nick Komives. “Supporting these efforts is a win for Ohio.”

“Direct pay will help local governments operate economically and energy-efficiently, resulting in less need to pass levies for important public safety programs like EMS and 911,” added Athens County Commissioner Chris Chmiel.

PCFO urges Ohio’s congressional leaders to stand with local governments and nonprofit organizations and protect this essential provision, ensuring that communities continue to benefit from clean energy investments that drive economic and environmental progress.