Our Mission: Power A Clean Future Ohio is building momentum now for a clean, prosperous future by equipping local leaders for equitable, community-driven carbon reductions in Ohio. |
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Local Action Update:
Yellow Springs joins PCFO
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We are thrilled to announce that Yellow Springs, Ohio, has become the newest PCFO Community. The resolution was unanimously passed at their city council meeting this Tuesday, making Yellow Springs our 18th community to join.
Council Vice President Marianne MacQueen offered the resolution during the council meeting and spoke in favor citing the important resources and helpful network that PCFO can provide local governments of all sizes.
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Lima prioritizing clean energy and alternative transportation solutions through PCFO |
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Lima, Ohio, is doing some amazing work in furthering their sustainability goals. Chief of Staff Sharetta Smith is working toward reducing the city’s carbon emissions with initiatives like fleet assessments to evaluate the possible clean energy solutions for their 75+ city vehicles.
“We’re interested in picking that work back up, starting with the analysis of moving to alternative fuel use for our vehicles, but then working through the process to get some technical training to create a sustainability plan for the city,” she said. “And so, we’re working with Power a Clean Future Ohio to again collect data.”
As Lima leaders work to use that data to develop an infrastructure plan to support these initiatives and seek funding, they’re also showing their fellow leaders in surrounding communities that this work can be done, and there are coalitions and organizations here to help.
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Appalachia’s clean energy transition must address racial inequity, advocates say |
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As Appalachia Ohio communities begin developing clean energy initiatives, one thing is for certain — they must address systemic racism. The unique challenges that Appalachian communities face do not exclude racial inequity, and there must be an equal opportunity to achieve these goals.
Some of the initiatives outlined in The Reimagine Appalachia coalition’s economic blueprint for the Ohio River Valley include expanding broadband and modernizing the electric grid; repairing damage from the coal and petroleum industries; redeveloping old industrial sites for energy-efficient, clean-energy manufacturing; providing sustainable transportation options; and relaunching a civilian conservation corps.
The recent federal infrastructure bill is in progress and, if passed, will help make an impact both environmentally and economically. In order to support this clean energy shift, job demand will increase, giving good, union jobs to Black, Indigenous and other workers of color.
This would be a huge step forward in changing the systematic disparities in these communities. While they are majority white, the disparities are disproportionally high for people of color. It is crucial to ensuring not only access to clean air, water and living conditions for those affected by systemic racism but also the economic opportunities created by this change are available.
As SeMia Bray, co-facilitator of Black Environmental Leaders in Cleveland, mentioned, it would be beneficial for these grant programs to require investments in “both the work force and the contractor base of those who have been traditionally left out of those conversations — not to the exclusion of any, but to the inclusion of all.”
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This 2-part series, designed specifically for Ohio Chamber of Commerce and economic development leaders and their respective boards of directors, will provide a platform to dive into the opportunities and challenges of utility-scale solar. Series participants will hear from chamber and economic development leaders who have first-hand experience in steering their board and community through solar development.
PART 1: The Sequence of Utility-Scale Solar Development will be held virtually at 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 23. Register here.
PART 2: Navigating Utility-Scale Solar Misinformation & Local Conflict will be held in person at 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at First Solar on Friday, October 8. Register here.
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Ohio Hospital Association is seeking an Energy Program Director. Apply on LinkedIn.
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Ohio Environmental Council is currently accepting applications for a Managing Field Director, Cleveland Metro Advocacy Director, Southeast Ohio Regional Director and an Energy Justice Fellow. Click here for more information on how to apply.
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Interested in getting started? Join today! |
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PCFO is an expansive, diverse coalition engaging with cities and local governments across the state of Ohio to build a clean future for our communities. Power A Clean Future Ohio is empowering local leaders with tools and resources to create carbon reduction plans and implement them in ways that are achievable, measurable, equitable and economical.
Our coalition of expert organizations wants to share our technical expertise and resources with your community. If your community wants to work on plans to reduce emissions, attract business investment, implement equitable clean energy policy, and reduce costs – contact us today to set up a meeting!
If your business or organization would like to support PCFO, we invite you to join the campaign as a PCFO Partner. Contact us for more details.
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