Upper Arlington joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Demonstrating Commitment to Clean Energy and Reducing Carbon Emissions
(COLUMBUS, OH)— 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.
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.
Kip Greenhill, Vice President of the Upper Arlington City Council said, “Upper Arlington is a community with passionate residents that want to protect our environment and ensure the next generation has clean air to breath. I have been impressed to see the work PCFO has done with local leaders and governments across the state to empower them with tools and resources to create carbon reduction plans. Upper Arlington is looking forward to implementing more comprehensive plans that are achievable and measurable and also benefit the financial outlook for the city.”
Joe Flarida, Executive Director of Power a Clean Future Ohio said, “Power a Clean Future Ohio is proud to welcome Upper Arlington as the newest PCFO Community, and marks our 23rd community in the state. Upper Arlington is in good company within Central Ohio as Reynoldsburg, Bexley, Worthington, and Lancaster are all members of PCFO. We look forward to serving as a resource and working with city leadership and staff as they implement policies that result in carbon emission reductions, cost savings, and tangible benefits to residents of Upper Arlington.”
Council member Michaela Burriss said, “I’m always hearing from our residents and small businesses that they want Upper Arlington to continue leading on environmental and sustainability issues. Joining PCFO is responsive and responsible. There is no cost. The connections, leadership, and expertise within the coalition will help us create a roadmap to achieve our goals while including community input. We all depend on a clean, healthy environment. Achieving this requires investing in necessary safeguards and using every tool available. I’m excited for Upper Arlington to create new pathways toward a more healthy, safe, and sustainable community for everyone to enjoy.”
Utilizing clean energy sources 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. Developing innovative solutions to harmful air pollution will also serve to protect the health of all Upper Arlington residents.
In 2020, 103,400 people were employed in clean energy jobs throughout the state, and Ohio auto manufacturers are planning major investments to build more electric vehicles in Ohio in the coming years. In addition, 39 companies that are either headquartered in Ohio or are among the state’s 100 largest employers have dedicated plans to be powered by 100% renewable energy by a specific date.
Cities like Upper Arlington are joining with these employers in making a commitment to spur the economic growth and development that results from embracing clean technologies and advanced transportation. The jobs of the future are in clean energy and clean transportation.