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.

EV School Bus Rebate Extended to February 14

The Clean School Bus Rebates deadline has been extended until February 14 at 4 p.m. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, the EPA is offering rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. For online application and process details, visit the Clean School Bus Program Rebates page. Diesel emissions from school buses can impact the health of children as they travel to and from school every day. This grant opportunity provides an opportunity for school districts to invest in the health and well-being of students and provides a pathway to modernize their bus fleet. Please alert your school district to this opportunity!

Dayton is set to nearly double its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with a $12.5 million federal grant from the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC). The grant will fund 26 new EV chargers across the city, strategically placed near municipal facilities and multifamily housing units to address identified charging gaps. Dayton aims to complete installations within two years, prioritizing areas on the west, north, and east sides based on analysis.

This initiative aligns with the city's proactive approach to eliminate infrastructure disparities and enhance transportation equity. As EV prices decrease, Dayton's expansion supports the national goal of achieving 50% electric vehicle sales by 2030. SOPEC's project, the Southeast to Southwest Ohio Responsive Interregional Deployment of Electrification Solutions (RIDES), will build out charging infrastructure across Ohio, creating new investment and economic development in these communities.

Join the Ohio EPA for an insightful webinar unveiling the state's Priority Resiliency Plan (PRP). This comprehensive plan, a culmination of collaborative efforts with organizations statewide, addresses crucial elements such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, near-term GHG reduction strategies, and benefits analysis for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Scheduled for Wednesday, February 21st, from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. ET, via Zoom, this webinar welcomes Ohio municipalities, local governments, businesses, community groups, and interested organizations to explore Ohio EPA's vision for climate action. Register now to secure your spot and contribute to Ohio's resiliency goals. For more details and registration, visit the Ohio EPA CPRG webpage.

Ohio Set to Receive Clean Energy Support Through USDA Climate Fellows 

Ohio will begin receiving support as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) appoints 40 Climate Change Fellows to assist farmers and landowners in applying for federal grants. This initiative, part of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, addresses the increased demand for the $2 billion-funded Rural Energy for America Program. The Fellows will guide grant recipients, aid in application processes, and contribute to monitoring efforts. Aligned with the Justice40 Initiative, aiming for 40% of federal investments to benefit marginalized communities, the program focuses on transforming rural power production through clean energy projects. The Fellows, assigned for a two-year term with possible extensions, will collaborate with USDA employees on climate change mitigation and adaptation, emphasizing a commitment to environmental solutions and equitable resource distribution.

EV Infrastructure is Booming across the U.S

The electric vehicle (EV) landscape across the U.S. is rapidly changing as the country experiences a surge in new public fast-charging stations. In the latter half of 2023, nearly 1,100 stations were added, marking a 16% increase, according to Bloomberg Green's analysis of federal data. This growth translates to roughly one quick-turn EV station for every 16 gas stations nationwide. The expansion is not confined to EV hotspots, with southern states witnessing substantial increases in new chargers. Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee collectively added 56 fast-charging stations, a one-third infrastructure boost. Florida and Texas now rank second and third in the nation for charging spots, respectively. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program aims to have a public, fast-charging station at least every 50 miles along the nation’s major travel corridors.

Upcoming Events

Navigating Zoning and Building Codes for EV Charging

Thursday, February 15 | 02:00 p.m.

Virtual meeting: Register here.

Join the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation for the second in a two-part webinar series on planning for permitting and zoning considerations for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Attendees will hear from presenters on effectively navigating zoning and building code processes for planning, constructing, and deploying EV chargers. 

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Priority Resiliency Plan Review and Q&A

Wednesday, February 21 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Virtual meeting: Register here.



Join the Ohio EPA as they present the Priority Resiliency Plan (PRP). This groundbreaking initiative, due to the US EPA by March 1, encompasses a wide array of critical components, including a statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventory, near-term GHG reduction strategies, analysis of benefits for low-income and disadvantaged communities, and a review of implementation authority.

They invite you to participate in their upcoming webinar, where they will unveil their findings and outline their vision for the future of the program. This webinar serves as an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to gain insights, ask questions, and provide considerations before the March 1 deadline.

Illuminating Impact: Integrated Lighting Campaign Gives Back to the Community

Tuesday, February 27 |11:00 a.m.

Virtual meeting: Register here.

DOE’s Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC) recognizes innovative lighting control projects that push the envelope in terms of energy savings, novel capabilities, and non-energy benefits. Join this webinar to learn how two recognized participants upgraded their facilities and brought benefits back to their communities.