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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2020 Clean Jobs Midwest Report
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Today, the
2020 Clean Jobs Midwest report
was released and Ohio's growth is continuing. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, 114,000 Ohioans were working in clean energy jobs throughout the state.
Last year, renewable energy jobs grew at a faster rate in Ohio than in any other Midwestern state. Clean energy jobs also grew more than 4 times as fast as overall statewide employment. There were 8,710 Ohioans employed in solar generation jobs as well.
The state's largest clean energy employer remains energy efficiency. More than 73% of Ohio clean energy jobs are in energy efficiency.
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Local Governments are a Major Driver of Renewable Energy Growth
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According to a new tool launched by the American Cities Climate Challenge, over the last five years local governments procured 8.28 gigawatts of renewable energy through 335 deals. Local government demand continues to be a major factor in the growth of renewables.
Power a Clean Future Ohio
is working with cities and local governments in Ohio to take advantage of this growing trend. Communities are identifying renewable energy as an economic opportunity and cost-savings pathway amidst a period of falling local revenue. Locals are leading the way to ensure their communities have cheaper electricity rates, cleaner air, and a more attractive market for business investment and job growth. You can read more about this
here
and view the
Local Government Renewables Action Tracker here
.
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The Village of Marble Cliff has installed two Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations and 52 solar panels. These efforts are saving the community money and provide a convenient benefit for community members that need a quick charge for their EV. After the installation of the solar panels and the chargers, the Village is now saving hundreds of dollars on municipal street lighting and electric bills. To find out more about what the community has done to save money while implementing clean, renewable energy
,
read this article
.
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Equity, Justice, and Climate in the African American Community
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To highlight the continual fight for racial justice, specifically environmental injustices in the African American community, Moms Clean Air Force recently hosted an online conversation, “Let Us Breathe: A Juneteeth Conversation on Equity, Justice, and Climate in the African American Community.”
In commemoration of the 2020 Juneteeth holiday, the virtual forum featured Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD (NC-12), Dr. Mildred McClain, Rev. Michael Malcom, Tina Spencer-Smith, Moms National Field Director Heather McTeer Toney, and Moms Clean Air Force Texas organizer Catherine Flowers.
The goal of the event was to generate solutions through conversation on how air pollution, climate change, and COVID impact the African American community, and what needs to be done to advocate for equity, justice, and climate action beyond this national pandemic.
“We claim this day, Juneteenth – June 19, 2020 – as a day to free ourselves from a carbon-based economy that is founded on the exploitation and labor of our people,” said Dr. McClain, co-founder and Executive Director of the
Harambee House/Citizens For Environmental Justice
in Savannah, Georgia. “We recommit with every breath to eliminate the poisoning of our air, of our land, of our water, and of our people.”
More than 400 attendees joined the conversation live with nearly 10,000 viewers watching the
Facebook live stream
.
We encourage you take a moment and enjoy the forum online.
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Equity Justice Action Plan
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Is your business or organization working to develop an action plan in support of equity and justice? Consider these components in your discussions:
- Conduct an internal diversity audit by holding conversations with staff and employees
- Examine the makeup of your boards and leadership teams and discuss opportunities to increase representation from diverse communities
- Provide anti-racism training for all staff and bolster anti-discrimination policies already in place
- Provide resources for your staff and employees to learn about and celebrate Black culture
- Adopt a budget that includes donating resources to community organizations supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and its ideals
The partners of Power a Clean Future Ohio commit to working with local environmental leaders and initiatives to advocate for, educate with, and amplify the stories of African Americans in impacted communities so that we may continue the fight for environmental justice for all.
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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 organizations 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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PCFO Partner Spotlight: Ohio Environmental Council
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Who is Ohio Environmental Council?
The Ohio Environmental Council
(OEC) is the state’s most comprehensive environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. The OEC develops and ensures the implementation of forward-thinking, science-based, pragmatic solutions to secure healthy air, land and water for all who call Ohio home.
Why is it important for Ohio Environmental Council to be involved in PCFO?
Ohio communities will see irreparable harm to their air, land, and water if we don’t address climate change by reducing our carbon footprint. In order to stop climate change and its most devastating effects on the health and wellbeing of all Ohioans, we must work together. By collaborating with our PCFO partners, we are better able to support Ohio's transition to a clean energy future.
How do you see PCFO impacting your work/efforts?
We know that most climate action victories over the past several years have occurred in cities and counties where pragmatism and practical solutions drive decision-making. Our policy experts and regional directors are proud to work with PCFO partners to implement equitable climate solutions at the local level.
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