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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Department of Energy Communities LEAP Pilot – Applications Open for Local Governments
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The Department of Energy (DOE) launched a Communities Local Energy Action Program (LEAP) Pilot that aims to support communities in clean energy deployment for sustained community-wide economic and environmental benefits. Communities can apply to two different tracks to receive hands-on technical assistance to develop strategic pathways for clean energy buildout (Launch Track) or to accelerate existing strategic plans (Accelerate Track). PCFO ready to help your community with their application!
This opportunity is specifically open to low-income, energy-burdened communities. Multi-stakeholder teams representing communities are eligible to apply to this competitive technical assistance opportunity, including representatives from government entities and community-based organizations. In order to apply for this opportunity, applicants must register by December 15, 2021, and submit an application by December 17, 2021. Further information on the required components of the application can be found in this document.
Though this program does not offer direct funding, DOE’s technical assistance can help your community to establish relationships with federal and state agencies and to complete the planning stage to demonstrate readiness for future funding opportunities.
For any PCFO communities that are planning to apply, PCFO is poised and ready to help! Please let us know if you’d be interested in a letter of support for your application and/or if you’d be interested in technical assistance reviewing your application before the deadline. To learn more about how PCFO can assist your city in pursuing the LEAP application, please contact Melanie Nutter.
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New Partner Spotlight: Euclid Chamber of Commerce |
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Tell us about the Euclid Chamber
The Euclid Chamber of Commerce consists of approximately 130 members ranging from large international businesses to small mom and pop businesses. As we've adapted to the challenges many organizations have faced in the past couple of years, we continue to have steady growth and prioritize the future of the Chamber and the community we serve.
Why is it important for the Euclid Chamber to be involved in PCFO?
The City of Euclid has recently been involved with PCFO and taken very positive steps to reduce pollution, use renewable energy and consider the environment as they develop new projects. We believe PCFO can positively impact the Chamber in similar ways and help us promote the same type of changes for our members.
How do you see Power a Clean Future Ohio impacting your work/efforts?
We are excited about the things we will learn from PCFO as well as Chambers for Innovation for Clean Energy. We look forward to sharing this information with our businesses and hope that it encourages them to move in the same direction.
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Black and Latino neighborhoods pay more for energy despite far lower emissions |
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A recent study by McGill University in Montreal and the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability looked at the energy use and carbon emissions of roughly 60 million American households. They found that, "even though energy-efficient homes are more often found in white neighborhoods, carbon emissions from these neighborhoods are significantly higher than those in majority Latino and Black neighborhoods."
These findings uncover a major energy disparity among majority Black and Latino communities in the U.S. The lower emission statistics are due to the disproportionately higher electric bills facing these low-income areas. With less disposable income, less access to energy saving solutions and skyrocketing energy bills, these families struggle to heat their home in the winter and cool them in the summer. Researchers aren't seeing the same struggles among the neighboring, majority white communities, so how can this be fixed?
The study outlines several solutions, including "using federal, state, and local funds, such as the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to fund energy retrofitting for homes in disadvantaged communities; increasing household access to solar panels; and disincentivizing high energy consumption through fees for homes that fail to meet per capita energy use benchmarks."
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When: Wednesday, December 8 and Thursday, December 9 @ 1:15-5:30 p.m.
This conference will bring energy producers, consumers, and entrepreneurs together for discussion and dialogue regarding accessing diverse energy streams in the State of Ohio. This virtual, two-day event will feature innovative leaders from across the energy sector who will share their visions and strategies for bringing alternative energy to Ohio, in front of an audience of both private and public stakeholders. Learn more and register here.
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Save the Date - ReImagine Appalachia January Strategy Summit
When: January 11-12, 2022 @ 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Join ReImagine Appalachia and their partners for the 2022 ReImagine Appalachia Virtual Strategy Summit.The virtual convening will offer keynote sessions, panels, and workshops to help guide and create the development of the coalition’s 2022 vision and priorities. Find out more about how the Appalachian region can maximize the community benefits of federal infrastructure dollars, how local elected officials can get involved, and share your thoughts on restoring prosperity to the area.
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Now hiring a PCFO Deputy Director. Power a Clean Future Ohio in partnership with the Ohio Environmental Council are seeking a Deputy Director for Power a Clean Future Ohio The Deputy Director will be responsible for engaging current PCFO Communities and working collaboratively with local partners to help cities and local governments meet their clean energy goals. View the job posting here.
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The Center for Energy Education is hiring a Community Engagement & Outreach Manager for Ohio. Learn more about the role and how to apply here.
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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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