PCFO Welcomes Fairview Park as 48th Community

The City of Fairview Park is proud to announce its membership in Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), marking its commitment to a sustainable and environmentally responsible future. Fairview Park is the 48th municipality to join this initiative, alongside several other PCFO communities within Cuyahoga County.

“As a PCFO community, the city of Fairview Park will be able to use the practical and expert guidance of PCFO to assist with improvements to our policies, goals, grants and implementation of projects related to sustainability and energy efficiencies. Additionally, Fairview Park will work with PCFO through its Infrastructure Grant Assistance Program to identify meaningful clean energy and transportation projects as well as federal sources to assist with the funding of those projects,” said Mayor Patrick Cooney of Fairview Park.

PCFO provides technical assistance and expertise to support the implementation of these carbon reduction practices, cost savings, and quality of live improvements, making it an invaluable resource for Fairview Park and its future sustainability efforts.

“There will be many ways that PCFO will be a great partner and resource for our community. This no-cost partnership will protect our residents’ resources, health and well-being. I look forward to working with PCFO and their other local partners for the benefit of Fairview Park and our region. I want to thank City Council for their support of this partnership and the number of residents who reached out to encourage us to join PCFO,” said Mayor Cooney.

"We are excited to welcome Fairview Park into our growing network of communities dedicated to shaping Ohio’s environmental and economic future. Bringing together Fairview Park's vision and community voices with Power a Clean Future Ohio's support and expertise, we know we can implement innovative solutions together," said Joe Flarida, Executive Director of Power a Clean Future Ohio.



The City of Fairview Park will continue to set annual sustainability goals, monitor progress, and report on how PCFO serves the city and its residents' needs. This commitment reflects the city's dedication to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement for an increasingly eco-friendly future.

Applications Open for Clean School Bus Rebate Program

The Clean School Bus Rebate Program, administered by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to transform the school transportation landscape by promoting the adoption of zero-emission (ZE) or clean school buses. Through this initiative, eligible entities can receive financial support to subsidize the purchase of eco-friendly buses, infrastructure, workforce training, and more.

EPA plans to award a substantial sum of at least $500 million through this rebate competition. This figure may be adjusted based on the application pool and other considerations. The generous funding pool provides an excellent opportunity for schools and organizations to embrace sustainable transportation solutions.

Learn more about the rebate program by visiting here.

Growth Opportunity Partners, a community development corporation with a focus on underserved, low- and moderate-income communities in Ohio, leading a multi-state effort to secure a portion of the $7 billion in funding allocated under the federal Inflation Reduction Act for low-income residential solar installations. The coalition, known as the Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition, comprises roughly 20 counties across seven states, including Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia. Growth Opps partnered with Power a Clean Future Ohio, Citizens Utility Board, and Solar United Neighbors, to establish the coalition and complete the application.

Growth Opportunity Partners operates the GO Green Energy Fund, the nation's first Black-led green bank program. Through consulting and capital services, Growth Opportunity Partners aims to provide financial solutions in underinvested and disadvantaged communities. The GO Green Energy Fund aligns with their mission to address health and well-being concerns in these communities by expanding access to clean energy solutions. The fund's objective is to improve the quality of life for residents, create cleaner communities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The timing of these initiatives is crucial, as the Inflation Reduction Act authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to implement the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. This fund is intended to mobilize financing and private capital for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in communities across the country. Growth Opportunity Partners and its coalition members are seeking $250 million under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund's Solar for All category, which aims to remove barriers for disadvantaged communities to participate in distributed solar generation. The impacts of this funding extend beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By providing distributed solar power to homes with high energy burdens, these initiatives can significantly improve residents' quality of life and create job opportunities within disadvantaged communities. Success in these endeavors is measured not only through reports but also by the positive impact on the lives of the people they serve. The ultimate goal is to reduce emissions and take action in this decisive decade to combat climate change.

Read more about this work as covered by the Energy News Network.

Ohio Breaks Ground on First NEVI Electric Vehicle Charging Station

As part of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, Ohio is setting a precedent by becoming the first state in the country to commence the construction of a significant electric vehicle (EV) charging station.

Construction will soon start on two dozen other fast charging stations in the state, aiming to have them operational by 2024, ensuring Ohioans have convenient and reliable access to EV charging.

Governor Mike DeWine announced this groundbreaking event, which took place at the Pilot Travel Center on Interstate 70, positioning Ohio at the forefront of EV infrastructure development.



“Providing more fast chargers that are convenient and reliable ultimately improves customer service for Ohio drivers and bolsters equitable access to the latest transportation technology,” said Jack Marchbanks, ODOT Director. 

Read more about the groundbreaking initiative, here.

The City of Akron is preparing for the start of Shammas Malik’s first term as mayor in January 2024. The City is hiring for a Director of Sustainability & Resilience. A critical member of the Mayor's Cabinet, the Director of Sustainability & Resiliency will be a trusted partner and advisor that will help guide the direction of sustainability and resiliency in Akron. Please consider applying if you are interested. PCFO looks forward to working closely with this individual and the city in 2024.



To view the application process, visit: https://www.togetherforakron.com/apply

EV Fuel Focus: Community Charging Panel

Join our Oct. 31 panel discussion on Community Charging, featuring experts from Power a Clean Future Ohio, Electrification Coalition, and more!

Tuesday, Oct. 31

1- 2 p.m. EDT

Online event - Microsoft Teams

Ohio Energy Conference

Thursday, Nov. 8 and Friday, Nov. 9 | Hilton Columbus of Easton

The 2023 Ohio Energy Conference will feature public and private leaders from Ohio’s energy sector, who will share what is on the horizon for energy procurement, policy, management, and more. Local government staff or elected officials interested in attending should reply to this email for information on purchasing tickets.

Register here.