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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Lancaster Designated “SolSmart Gold” for Advancing Solar Energy Growth |
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The national SolSmart program recently recognized the City of Lancaster with its Gold designation for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses in the city to go solar.
Lancaster earned the Gold designation by encouraging solar energy growth and removing obstacles to solar development. Lancaster is one of more than 450 municipalities, counties, and regional organizations that have achieved a SolSmart designation by making changes to their local processes that reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system.
The Gold designation is a signal to businesses and residents alike that Lancaster is committed to both reducing the cost of solar installations and passing the savings on to consumers. The city’s efforts open the door for people living and working in Lancaster to enjoy affordable, clean, and reliable solar power while reaping the benefits of clean energy economic development and job growth.
“We are proud to be on the forefront of the national effort to encourage solar installations by easing the process of permit approvals and expanding eligible sites in our city,” said Lancaster Mayor David Scheffler. “The Lancaster Planning and Zoning Department made this designation a top priority and City Council approved the necessary building code changes enthusiastically. We believe that these changes will result in an increase in the pace of solar installation activity as this news spreads.”
PCFO’s Technical Assistance Team offers support to communities seeking to achieve a SolSmart Gold designation like Lancaster. Contact PCFO to learn more about resources that aid Ohio communities in clearing the way for solar market development.
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PCFO Celebrates 3-year Anniversary |
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PCFO is proud to be three years old and 42 communities strong! Since February 2020, PCFO has been building momentum toward achieving a clean, prosperous future by equipping local leaders to realize equitable, community-driven carbon reductions. Thanks to everyone who has been involved in supporting this journey!
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Shaker Heights Community Comes Together to Achieve Climate Goals
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In Shaker Heights, Mayor David Weiss, along with city council representatives and members of the local community, have come together to create a Sustainability Committee. This committee is responsible for setting ambitious climate goals and initiatives that are designed to have a positive impact on the environment. Through their collaborative efforts, the committee has made significant progress in reducing the city's carbon emissions, and the community is proud of its accomplishments. The Sustainability Committee is a prime example of how citizens, city leaders, and organizations can work together to help create a greener and healthier future.
Learn more about their progress and the ways they partner with PCFO to achieve their goals in this new video.
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PCFO INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT SNAPSHOTS
Federal Funding: Find it here!
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Visit the PCFO IGAP Webinar page to review notes from the BIL Guidebook Introduction, Electric Vehicles, Public Transportation, and Clean Energy and Power webinars. These notes include information on the federal departments’ goals, funding opportunities, and available links to program pages.
If you are interested in applying or need PCFO’s support please contact Sarah Spence, IGAP Coordinator, at sarah@ohcef.org with any questions.
The American-Made Community Power Accelerator Prize is a $10 million prize competition designed to fast-track the efforts of new, emerging, and expanding solar developers and co-developers to learn, participate, and grow their operations to support multiple successful community solar projects.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2023
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is a formula-based funding opportunity for states, local governments, and tribes. EECBG can provide funding for projects and programs that cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy use.
Application Deadline: April 28, 2023
The Department of Energy is soliciting feedback and best practices to inform the development of Home Energy Rebate programs that will support residential energy efficiency and electrification improvements.
Application Deadline: March 3, 2023
The EJCPS Cooperative Agreement Program provides financial assistance to community-based organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues. The program assists recipients in building collaborative partnerships with other stakeholders to develop solutions to environmental or public health issue(s) at the community level.
Application Deadline: April 10, 2023
The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) program provides funding to support government activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms. EPA aims to fund projects that transform overburdened and underserved communities into healthy, thriving communities capable of addressing the environmental and public health challenges they have historically faced, as well as current and future challenges.
Application Deadline: April 10, 2023
The Department of Energy is now accepting applications for the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program from states and territories. $250 million in formula funding is available through this program to provide grants that will enable states and territories to establish revolving loan funds to invest in energy audits and energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits of commercial and residential buildings. In addition, states can use up to one-quarter of the funding for grants and technical assistance to low-income homeowners and small businesses.
Application Deadline: April 21, 2023
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, DOE received $500 million for grants for energy improvements at public school facilities from 2022-2026. This program aims to fund projects which address historic inequities in school facilities investments, reduce school energy expenditures, help schools lead the nation in solving the climate crisis, and create well-paying union jobs.
Concept Papers Deadline: January 26, 2023; Full Application Deadline: April 21, 2023
The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program funds surface transportation infrastructure projects that will improve: safety; environmental sustainability; quality of life; mobility and community connectivity; economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism; state of good repair; partnership and collaboration; and innovation. There is also $75 million set aside for eligible planning, preparation, or design of projects.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2023
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Study Finds Ohio is a Leader in Green Jobs |
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The Climate Power group recently identified more than 90 new clean energy projects across 31 states that represent more than 100,000 new clean energy jobs since President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act last August. Most of those projects are in seven states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The projects represent nearly $90 billion in new investment in things like electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, wind and solar energy, and home energy efficiency.
To keep Ohio at the front of the pack for these new developments, the Infrastructure Grant Assistance Program (IGAP) has been made available to all Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) communities as a way to support their efforts to pursue federal funding for clean energy and clean transportation projects. This new technical assistance program makes Ohio cities and counties more competitive as they vie for federal grants to further expand Ohio’s clean energy economy.
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Central Ohio Youth Can Apply for the Ohio Environmental Council’s Emerging Leaders Council |
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The Ohio Environmental Council’s Emerging Leaders Council is seeking some of the best and brightest young people in Central Ohio to help mobilize the next generation of climate champions. The Emerging Leaders Council is where recent high school and college graduates, as well as motivated young professionals up to 40 years old, can elevate their leadership skills, environmental knowledge, and advocacy capabilities through deeper involvement with the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC).
The Emerging Leaders Council is a six-month program that takes place from April to September. The 12 individuals chosen to become members of the 2023 cohort should be available to participate in a one-hour weekly, in-person meeting starting April 5, and lasting through Sept. 27. Project responsibilities and group events typically require additional time commitments averaging about 10 hours per month. While the Emerging Leaders Council is primarily a learning experience, for the first time, the OEC is able to offer all participants a $500 stipend.
To learn more about this opportunity to effect positive change and gain valuable experience, and to access an application, visit the OEC Emerging Leaders Council webpage. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 28.
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Ohio Community Solar Survey Seeks to Gauge Interest in Solar Access |
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The Ohio Community Solar Engagement survey is open and is actively collecting names and contact information of individuals and groups who either support community solar access or who have an interest in learning more about the topic. Solar United Neighbors is conducting the survey to collect information that may prove helpful with a statewide community solar policy initiative later this year.
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Tuesday, February 21
12 p.m. EST
In partnership with Green Energy Ohio and the Ohio Public Health Association, Moms Clean Air Force is hosting a virtual roundtable discussion featuring representatives from four Ohio projects awarded funding through the US EPA to conduct ambient air quality monitoring. Registration is open: bit.ly/3xbhgbx
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Tuesday, February 21
1 p.m. EST
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Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23
11 a.m.-5 p.m. EST
Join Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and the departments of Interior, Commerce, and Transportation for a virtual conference to discuss the Floating Offshore Wind Shot—an ambitious initiative to cut the cost of floating offshore wind energy by more than 70% by 2035.
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Wednesday, February 22
2 p.m. EST
Join ReImagine Appalachia in coordination with Moms Clean Air Force in Ohio to discuss the electrification of public transit and school bus fleets in the Appalachian region. Public transit representatives, school district officials, and local government officials and transit riders are encouraged to attend and offer input. Register today!
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Tuesday, February 28
11 a.m. EST
Learn how Better Buildings partners ensure their actions respond to the needs of those most impacted by climate change and policy.
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Tuesday, February 27-Wednesday, March 1
7 a.m.-7 p.m. ET
Learn about new technology, services, and business opportunities from industry experts and federal leaders regarding the distributed wind energy industry.
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Monday, March 20-21
8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET
The objective of REMADE is to advance the national conversation on a circular approach and how sustainable manufacturing can support the nation in meeting its multiple energy, environmental, and economic goals.
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February 22 and 23
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and the departments of Interior, Commerce, and Transportation for a virtual conference to discuss the Floating Offshore Wind Shot—an ambitious initiative to cut the cost of floating offshore wind energy by over 70% by 2035.
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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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