February 3, 2022
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.
Local Action Update
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
On November 15, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. This bipartisan infrastructure bill presents a historic opportunity for local and state governments to invest in the electric grid, broadband, water infrastructure, transportation, and more.
 
We know many cities and local governments have questions about the next steps for this historic investment in U.S. infrastructure and how your communities can take advantage of these opportunities. We want to be sure every PCFO Community has the opportunity to pursue these grants that can lower carbon emissions and grow the clean energy economy in our state. PCFO will serve as a resource for upcoming briefings, educational materials, and general support alongside regional planning commissions, community and economic development organizations, and state agencies. Look for more information in our next newsletter on how your community can take advantage of tools and resources that PCFO will be providing in these important areas of federal and state investment.
 
As a first step, look at the White House Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook and tune into the accompanying webinar to walk through it tomorrow at 9:00 am. Register here. Missed the webinar? Contact us for notes, key takeaways, or answers to your questions.
 
Look for more information in PCFO’s next newsletter. 
Green Building Challenge
Cleveland 2030 District is holding its annual Green Building Challenge in partnership with USGBC Ohio Northeast Region. Get ready to submit your projects now until February 28.

The categories include:
  • Energy Conservation
  • Water Conservation
  • Reduced Transportation Emissions
  • Healthy Buildings.

All projects in NE Ohio are eligible. Find out more and view past winners here.
Windfall in Paulding County
This week, Paulding County Commissioners approved 15 resolutions for payments in lieu of taxes agreements with four renewable energy companies.

The county is expected to receive $3.1 million from these agreements. The money will be divided up between local communities, schools, career centers and the county general fund.
FIRST 100 Days:
Climate and Clean Energy To-Do List
Did you just get elected to a local office or are you starting a new term? What can you do to support clean energy and climate initiatives in your FIRST 100 DAYS in office?
 
Power a Clean Future Ohio is here to help make it happen. We have technical experts and policy tools to get you started. Share this one-page list with your council and local government staff and begin today! More information on some of these ideas can be found in our Ohio Clean Energy and Sustainable Communities Toolkit.
Upcoming Events
ReImagine Appalachia Campaign Update
February 15, 12 p.m.

ReImagine Appalachia will host a campaign update webinar on Tuesday, February 15th at 12:00pm ET featuring two speakers from the U.S. Department of Energy–Rose Dady, Regional Intergovernmental and External Affairs Specialist for the Midwest, and Torend L. Collins, Regional Intergovernmental & External Affairs Specialist for Appalachia. They will share a bit about their roles within DOE and how they can support those in their respective regions.
The Intersection of Racial Justice and Climate Action
February 23, 3 p.m.

Real progress on climate change can only be made with equitable and just solutions. Please join Leah Hudnall, Crystal Davis and Rachael Belz to find out how you can lend your support for environmental justice and get the latest news about the critical work of the Ohio Climate Justice Fund.
Interested in getting started? Join today!
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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