Power a Clean Future Ohio will offer local leaders a path forward in carbon reductions

Organization envisions local communities leading the way on equitable climate solutions

(Columbus, OH)—Today, leaders from across Ohio joined together to launch Power a Clean Future Ohio, a bipartisan organization that is dedicated to working with local officials to develop equitable global climate change solutions. The organization is committed to reducing carbon emissions throughout Ohio in big and small ways that make sense for each local community.

“Ohio’s economy, health and future depend on a new approach to clean energy and climate change,” said Joe Flarida, Executive Director for Power a Clean Future Ohio. “We are building momentum for a clean, prosperous future by offering equitable, community-driven solutions for reducing carbon emissions in communities across Ohio.”

Power a Clean Future Ohio will work directly with local elected officials, businesses, faith groups, advocacy organizations and others to inform and incentivize action at the community level to combat climate change and spur the economic growth and development that results from embracing clean energy technologies and advanced transportation.

Nearly half of the Fortune 500 companies and almost all the Fortune 100 companies have plans to be powered by 100% renewable energy soon. 61 percent of those Fortune 500 firms with renewable energy targets have operations in Ohio. This includes 39 companies that are either headquartered in Ohio or among the state’s 100 largest employers.

“Support for clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are key factors influencing where businesses choose to locate, expand and grow,” said Elysa Hammond, Vice President for Environmental Stewardship at Clif Bar & Company. “A clean energy economy will ultimately save businesses money while generating multiple benefits for employees, local residents and the broader community. It’s good business to run a green business.”

At the Greater Cleveland Partnership, they’re beginning and changing the energy conversation.

"Quite simply, business buy-in is a critical factor for any community looking to achieve clean energy goals. In Cleveland, we’ve worked side by side with our local leaders to assist in the design and implementation of the Climate Action Plans,” said Nicole Stika, Vice President, Energy Services, Greater Cleveland Partnership. “We are making sure our business community has the tools they need to make smart, energy-efficient decisions. At the Greater Cleveland Partnership, we’re initiating the conversation to help our largest and smallest businesses address their energy consumption to help them meet objectives that are parallel to resiliency goals, including energy, budgetary, carbon, or sustainability goals.”

Utilizing clean energy sources also improves air quality, a significant issue for the state. Ohio ranks 46th in the nation in asthma rates for children ages 0-17. Poor air quality is a major contributor to asthma rates, particularly in disproportionately impacted communities, which is the leading reason for hospital ER visits in this age group. By powering their cities on clean energy and clean transportation, Mayors and local leaders across the country are taking a stand on this important public health issue and are acting to protect the health of children and families in their communities.

“Moms stand shoulder to shoulder with local leaders, supporting them, urging them to do more, and celebrating the innovations that improve the quality of our air for our kids,” said Tracy Sabetta, field consultant for Moms Clean Air Force in Ohio. “We have the power to make change in our own backyards and protect our children’s health.”

Ohio can move forward now to improve air quality while attracting billions in investment and thousands of jobs by embracing the future of clean energy and advanced transportation technology.

To highlight the momentum at the local level, Power a Clean Future Ohio will join with Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and others to convene advocates, elected officials and industry experts from across Ohio and the Midwest for the Ohio Clean Energy Summit: Local Communities Lead on April 30th at the Xavier University Cintas Center. The summit will feature announcements on new clean energy initiatives and will provide a forum to discuss how local governments can access tools and resources to advance carbon reduction strategies to create a healthier, more prosperous community. More details on the summit will be released soon.