Newsworthy
April 22, 2024
US EPA Awards $156 Million Solar for All Grant to Industrial Heartland Solar Expansion Initiative
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $7 billion in grant awards through the Solar for All program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. The Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition (IHSC), representing 8 states, 31 counties, and 18 cities, was awarded $156 million that will drive solar expansion in the region, creating good-paying jobs, saving families on energy costs, reducing emissions, and addressing climate change.
March 26, 2024
Power a Clean Future Ohio Celebrates Milestone, Welcomes City of Akron as 50th Member Community
Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) is thrilled to celebrate the addition of the City of Akron as its 50th member community. This achievement represents a major milestone in the organization's work to support communities across the state in adopting and implementing achievable, measurable, equitable, and economical clean energy solutions.
March 25, 2024
City of Akron Joins Power a Clean Future Ohio, Signifying its Commitment to Climate Action and Clean, Renewable Energy
With the adoption of a resolution by the City Council on March 25, 2024, the City of Akron has officially joined Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), furthering its commitment to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. Akron is committed to leveraging available resources through its partnership with PCFO to identify and implement sustainability goals that further its ambition to build a healthy, prosperous, and resilient community for its residents.
March 19, 2024
City of Gahanna Joins Power a Clean Future Ohio as 49th Member Community
The City of Gahanna announced that it has joined Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) as its 49th member community. Through this partnership, PCFO will provide local leadership with technical assistance and resources to help establish and achieve measurable, equitable, and economical clean energy goals.
March 11, 2024
New Report Shows Clean Energy Jobs and Investment Booming in Ohio
A newly released report suggests that since historic federal clean energy legislation was signed into law in 2021 and 2022, Ohio has experienced a boom in clean energy projects, leading to thousands of new jobs and billions in local investment. The report ranked Ohio as the state with the tenth-highest total of new clean energy jobs in the nation.
October 31, 2023
PCFO Welcomes Fairview Park as 48th Community
The City of Fairview Park is proud to announce its membership in Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), marking its commitment to a sustainable and environmentally responsible future. Fairview Park is the 48th municipality to join this initiative, alongside several other PCFO communities within Cuyahoga County.
October 12, 2023
Village of Newburgh Heights joins Power A Clean Future Ohio as 47th Community, looks to halve emissions by 2030
Under the leadership of Mayor Gigi Traore, Newburgh Heights is taking proactive steps to tackle climate change head-on, becoming the 47th community to join Power A Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). Nestled in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the Village passed Resolution 23-18 on September 19, with plans to develop a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the specific measures and strategies necessary to achieve a 50 percent reduction below the 2010 levels in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This initiative is developed in collaboration with the community, ensuring that local input plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Newburgh Heights.
September 26, 2023
Summit County joins Power A Clean Future, commits to sustainable practices
County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council affirmed the County’s ongoing commitment to carbon reduction and sustainable practices on Monday night with passage of a resolution authorizing the County to join Power A Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). The organization is a nonpartisan coalition that works with local governments to develop and implement climate solutions. PCFO empowers local leaders with tools and resources to create achievable, measurable, equitable, and economical carbon reduction plans. The nonprofit’s services are provided at no cost to the County.
August 31, 2023
Kettering Becomes 45th Power a Clean Future Ohio Community Signifying its Commitment to Clean, Sustainable Energy
The City of Kettering announced that it will become the 45th Ohio community to signify its commitment to improving sustainability and reducing emissions by joining Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). The Kettering City Council recently established sustainability as a priority concern for the community, and it has worked to develop programs and infrastructure to move the city toward greater reliance on and access to clean energy. Becoming a partner community with PCFO will ensure that Kettering government entities, businesses, schools, and residents have access to programs and funding opportunities that will make sustainability attainable.
August 16, 2023
Ohio Climate and Clean Energy Supporters Celebrate the One-Year Anniversary of IRA
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the first major piece of legislation passed by Congress to address climate change, clean energy, and public health in the nation’s history. Just one year after its passage, the IRA is already improving the lives of Ohioans.
July 19, 2023
US Department of Transportation Awards $30 Million Dollars to Ohio Cities through the RAISE Grant
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced the recipients of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants, which aim to promote sustainable transportation initiatives nationwide. Four Ohio cities received funds from the RAISE grants, including Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) and Ohio Mayor’s Alliance (OMA) members Cincinnati, Toledo, and Youngstown. The City of Kent also received funding from the program. The grant program is funded through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a Biden Administration priority that was signed into law in 2021.
July 18, 2023
Power a Clean Future Ohio Launches IRA Resource Hub Site
Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) has launched the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Resource Hub today to provide Ohio local governments, businesses, non-profits, and community members with the resources they need to take advantage of historic financial opportunities provided through this landmark legislative investment.
June 29, 2023
Power a Clean Future Ohio Announces Inaugural Board Members, Building on Success Over Past Three Years
(COLUMBUS, OH) — Launching as a coalition project in February 2020, Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) is taking an important and momentous step today in establishing itself as a nonprofit organization. Today, the organization announced the members of its inaugural Board of Directors. PCFO will continue to build on its work with cities and local governments across the state of Ohio by providing local leaders with tools and resources to create carbon reduction plans and implement them in ways that are achievable, measurable, equitable, and economical.
May 12, 2023
City of Oxford joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, becoming 44th community in Ohio
The City of Oxford recently joined Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), furthering the community’s commitment to improving sustainability and reducing emissions. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help staff as they work toward the goal of adopting clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions as identified by the city’s Climate Action Steering Committee and Environmental Commission. These include a 50% reduction over the 2019 baseline by 2030, a 90% reduction over the 2019 baseline by 2040 and by 2045 community-wide neutrality.
February 8, 2023
Geneva joins Power a Clean Future Ohio, becoming 42nd community in Ohio and 1st in Ashtabula County
City of Geneva Councilmembers recently voted to unanimously adopt a resolution joining Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), furthering the community’s commitment to improving sustainability and becoming the first community in Ashtabula County to join. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help staff as they work toward the goal of adopting clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in ways that also save local tax payers money.
December 21, 2022
Power a Clean Future Ohio Celebrates Clean Energy Champions, Recognizes Ohio Local Leadership
On December 16, Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) and the Ohio Mayor’s Alliance hosted the first Clean Energy Champions Awards ceremony, celebrating Ohio leaders for their commitment to clean energy and climate action.
The event recognized PCFO Communities, mayors, and sustainability professionals throughout Ohio that have taken strides to reduce their carbon emissions while creating more equitable communities through clean energy adoption. This year’s winners were honored at a luncheon at The Athletic Club of Columbus.
December 8, 2022
Garfield Heights joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, becoming 41st community
Garfield Heights councilmembers recently voted to unanimously adopt a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), furthering the community’s commitment to improving sustainability and reducing emissions. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help staff as they work toward the goal of adopting clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to continuing carbon reduction efforts, initiatives may include improved management of garbage dump sites, attracting federal grants to help with the weatherization of homes, particularly those built before 1950, and exploring electric vehicle (EV) deployment on city corridors.
November 8, 2022
Village of Granville joins Power A Clean Future Ohio
On October 5th, Granville Village Councilmembers voted to unanimously adopt a resolution joining Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), furthering the Village’s commitment to improving sustainability and reducing emissions. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help staff as they work toward the goal of adopting clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
September 20, 2022
City of Green joins Power A Clean Future Ohio
At the September 13, 2022, Green City Council meeting, council members voted unanimously to adopt a resolution joining Power a Clean Future Ohio. Power A Clean Future Ohio is a nonpartisan coalition and campaign dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy. PCFO will work with local leaders and the city’s Living Green Task Force by providing technical assistance and a network of partnerships to implement best practices in buildings and facilities management, land use and transportation planning, and economic and community development in the City of Green.
September 19, 2022
City of Maple Heights joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Becoming 38th Community
At a recent Maple Heights City Council meeting, the councilmembers unanimously adopted an emergency resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio, underscoring the community’s commitment to craft a comprehensive sustainability plan that will help take advantage of upcoming opportunities and grants, leverage the city sustainability efforts as a tool to attract younger residents to call Maple Heights home, and work with adjoining municipalities to pursue emerging opportunities. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance as staff develop plans for the City of Maple Heights.
August 31, 2022
Hamilton County joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Becoming 36th Community and Fourth County
At a recent Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners meeting, Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio, furthering the County’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the communities it serves.
August 29, 2022
City of Munroe Falls joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Becoming 35th Community
At a recent Munroe Falls City Council meeting, the councilmembers unanimously adopted an emergency resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio, underscoring the community’s commitment to achieving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions and cost savings through building and facilities management, land use and transportation planning and economic and community development. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help staff as they develop a roadmap for Munroe Falls. With passage of this resolution, Munroe Falls became the 35th community to join Power a Clean Future Ohio.
August 3, 2022
Press Advisory: Power a Clean Future Ohio to deliver expert testimony on local costs of climate change at U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Hearing
On Thursday, Power a Clean Future Ohio Executive Director Joe Flarida will deliver expert testimony to the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs during its hearing, “Borrowed Time: The Economic Costs of Climate Change.”
July 20, 2022
Report: Climate Change Could Cost Ohio Municipalities Nearly $6B Annually by 2050
Local governments across Ohio will need to increase municipal spending by as much as $5.9 billion annually by midcentury in order to adapt to the challenges of a worsening climate crisis, according to a new study released today by the Ohio Environmental Council, Power A Clean Future Ohio, and Scioto Analysis.
July 6, 2022
City of University Heights joins Power A Clean Future Ohio
At the June 21, 2022, City Council meeting, councilmembers voted unanimously to adopt a resolution joining Power a Clean Future Ohio, furthering the city’s commitment to improving sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help staff as they work toward the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2010 levels. According to Cuyahoga County data, the City of University Heights is already at a 17% drop as of 2019. They will develop a roadmap during Fiscal Year 2022 for the city to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and proactively seek input from the community in developing and promoting the plan.
June 13, 2022
Youngstown Joins Power A Clean Future Ohio
On May 18, the Youngstown City Council voted to adopt a resolution joining Power a Clean Future Ohio, furthering the community’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and work with the city staff as they develop a roadmap for achieving their carbon reduction and sustainability goals. With passage of this resolution, Youngstown became the 31st community to join Power a Clean Future Ohio. With this action, more than one-third of Ohio residents now live in a community or county that is part of the Power a Clean Future Ohio initiative.
May 26, 2022
Village of Moreland Hills becomes 30th Community to Join Power A Clean Future Ohio
At the Village of Moreland Hills Council meeting on Wednesday, May 11, councilmembers unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio, underscoring the community’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and embracing clean energy opportunities to support their local economy and government services. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help staff as they develop a roadmap for the Village to reduce emissions and to proactively seek input from the community in developing and promoting the plan. With passage of this resolution, the Village of Moreland Hills became the 30th community to join Power a Clean Future Ohio.
May 13, 2022
Cuyahoga County joins Power A Clean Future Ohio
Executive Armond Budish and Director of Sustainability Mike Foley signed Cuyahoga County on as a member today to join Power a Clean Future Ohio, furthering the County’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the communities it serves. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help County staff as they continue to work toward the established goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Cuyahoga County by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Cuyahoga County is now the third county to join Power a Clean Future Ohio.
May 11, 2022
Village of Oakwood joins Power A Clean Future Ohio
At Tuesday’s Village of Oakwood City Council meeting, council members unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio, furthering the community’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help staff as they develop a roadmap during Fiscal Year 2022 for the Village to achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and to proactively seek input from the community in developing and promoting the plan. With passage of this resolution, the Village of Oakwood became the 28th community to join Power a Clean Future Ohio and the first Northeast Ohio community to join in 2022.
March 16, 2022
Power a Clean Future Ohio launches Infrastructure Grant Assistance Program
Today, Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) launched the Infrastructure Grant Assistance Program (IGAP), created to directly support local governments in applying for and strategically deploying federal resources made available through the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The bipartisan infrastructure legislation provides federal grants to invest in the transition to a clean energy economy built on clean energy infrastructure, including a nationwide electric vehicle charging network, a modernized grid to support renewable energy deployment, and more efficient buildings and transit systems.
January 19, 2022
Fairborn joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Focused on Conservation and Cost-Saving Resources
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting the City of Fairborn unanimously passed a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). Power A Clean Future Ohio is a nonpartisan coalition and statewide initiative that is dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy.
The city plans to work with PCFO to identify energy efficiency solutions to save the city money and find new sources of grant funding for building improvements and clean transportation projects.
January 4, 2022
Canton joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Prioritizing a Modern Electric Vehicle Fleet and Key Cost-Saving Resources
At Monday’s City Council meeting the City of Canton passed a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). The resolution was sponsored by Mayor Thomas Bernabei and Council Members Robert Fisher and John Mariol. The city will work with PCFO to identify clean energy solutions to save the city money and find new sources of grant funding for clean energy and clean transportation projects. As a first step, the city is planning to utilize PCFO’s resources to complete a fleet analysis in partnership with Clean Fuels Ohio, which will help the city identify opportunities to purchase electric vehicles that will reduce costs and emissions.
December 21, 2021
Columbus joining Power A Clean Future Ohio, Announces Climate Action Plan and Shows Commitment to a Clean Energy Future
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced Tuesday, December 21, that Columbus is joining Power A Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), a growing group of leading cities and local governments across Ohio taking meaningful actions to reduce emissions and invest in clean energy. In November, Mayor Ginther announced the City’s first-ever Climate Action Plan, committing to a reduction of carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.
November 15, 2021
Solon Takes Steps Towards a Clean Energy Future, Becomes 24th Community to Join Power A Clean Future Ohio
At Monday’s Solon City Council meeting, the council unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) to find ways to engage in sustainability initiatives and clean energy programs for the community. PCFO is a nonpartisan coalition and campaign that is dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy.
PCFO will work with local leaders to help them find ways to implement programs that are best for the Solon community.
October 26, 2021
Montgomery County joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Becoming 22nd Community and Second County
At Tuesday’s Montgomery County’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the County Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio, furthering the County’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the communities it serves. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help County staff as they review and update the Dayton Regional Green initiative and implement the five-year sustainability plan. With passage of this resolution, Montgomery County became the 22nd community to join Power a Clean Future Ohio and is the second County to join.
September 29, 2021
Lucas County Joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Becoming 21st Community and First County
At Tuesday’s Lucas County’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the county commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio and committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Lucas County by 30% by 2030 below 2010 levels. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help county staff as they review and update their Greater Toledo: Going Beyond Green sustainability plan. With passage of this resolution, Lucas County became the 21st community to join Power A Clean Future Ohio and is the first county to join.
June 7, 2021
Cleveland Heights Joins Power A Clean Future Ohio Highlighting Commitment to a Cleaner Energy Future
On Monday, the Cleveland Heights City Council officially passed a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) and set a goal of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030 below 2021 levels. PCFO will work with the city to implement measurable, cost-effective, and achievable plans to grow the local clean energy economy and integrate sustainability into the city’s long-term planning.
April 6, 2021
Warren joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Mayor Franklin Pledges to Reduce City’s Carbon Emissions by 30% by 2030
Today, Mayor Doug Franklin of Warren announced that the city will join Power A Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), a nonpartisan coalition and campaign that is dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy.
February 17, 2021
Lima joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Looks to Clean Energy Opportunities for the City’s Environmental and Economic Future
Today, Mayor David Berger of Lima announced that the city will join Power A Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), a nonpartisan coalition and campaign that is dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy.
November 8, 2021
Upper Arlington joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Demonstrating Commitment to Clean Energy and Reducing Carbon Emissions
At Monday’s Upper Arlington City Council meeting, the council unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio and further the city’s leadership in pursuing sustainable initiatives for the city. PCFO will work with local leaders as the city develops a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Upper Arlington and expand our investment in the clean energy economy.
October 4, 2021
City of Shaker Heights joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Becoming 20th Community
At Monday’s Shaker Heights City Council meeting, Council members unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power A Clean Future Ohio (PFCO), furthering efforts underway by the City to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Shaker Heights. With passage of this resolution, the City of Shaker Heights became the 20th community to join Power A Clean Future Ohio.
July 27, 2021
Toledo joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Local Leaders Demonstrate Commitment to Climate Action and Clean Energy
(COLUMBUS, OH)— Toledo City Council officially passed a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to build on Toledo’s leadership in sustainability and clean energy. This work will ultimately help reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 as set in the resolution.
July 19, 2021
Worthington becomes 16th Community to join Power A Clean Future Ohio
Worthington city council officially passed a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). The first priority is to work together with the city on engaging the community and integrating sustainability and carbon reductions into long-term planning. Power A Clean Future Ohio is a nonpartisan coalition and campaign that is dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy. During Monday’s city council meeting, Worthington City Council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.
May 14, 2021
Portsmouth joins Power A Clean Future Ohio Highlighting Commitment to a Cleaner Energy Future and ‘Greener’ Place to Live
The Portsmouth City Council officially passed a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). The first priority is to work on an assessment of the city’s energy usage and identify opportunities for great efficiency, cost savings, and ultimately lower emissions. Power A Clean Future Ohio is a nonpartisan coalition and campaign that is dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy. During a Monday’s city council meeting, Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.
March 29, 2021
Bexley joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Looks to Clean Energy Opportunities for the City’s Environmental and Economic Future
Today, Mayor Ben Kessler of Bexley announced that the city will join Power A Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), a nonpartisan coalition and campaign that is dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy.
February 11, 2021
Power A Clean Future Ohio Launches Equity Coaching for Sustainable Cities Program
Today, Power A Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) announced it is offering city and local governments the opportunity to participate in the Equity Coaching for Sustainable Cities Program. This program will provide a group of city leaders and staff in 10 Ohio cities the chance to engage with a sponsored equity coach and with one another on the issues of racial equity, access to resources, and representation.