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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Dayton adopts comprehensive sustainability plan
On August 26th, the Dayton City Commission unanimously adopted the “Strategy for a Sustainable Dayton.” This comprehensive sustainability plan has five key focus areas: climate mitigation, equity, economic development, infrastructure, and resilience. You can read the plan here. Mayor Whaley praised the adoption of the plan on social media saying, “This sustainability plan has been years in development, and is an important step in making Dayton a greener, healthier place for all of our residents.” Power a Clean Future Ohio is excited to work with city and community stakeholders on implementing several aspects of the plan that will help create a more equitable, sustainable community and grow the clean energy economy locally. The city has laid out a number of great proposals that will support new renewable energy projects, alternative transportation options for residents, and sustainable land management to provide residents greater access to quality green space.
We applaud Dayton’s leadership and the bold actions included in the plan to build a more sustainable and equitable community. We look forward to partnering with this PCFO Community, including the Mayor, the Commissioners, and city staff to ensure this plan and these projects are successful.
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How Decades of Racist Housing Policy Left Neighborhoods Sweltering |
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The practice of “redlining” communities began in the 1930s when the federal government created maps that rated the riskiness of hundreds of the nation’s largest cities. This rating system was based largely on race, with black and immigrant neighborhoods typically labeled “hazardous,” and resulting in people in those communities being denied access to federal backed mortgages and other credit. This system led to decades of inequity and a lack of investment in those cities.
Now researchers from the University of Richmond have found another impact on redlined neighborhoods. Across more than 100 cities, formerly redlined neighborhoods are today five degrees hotter in summer than areas that were outside the redlined areas. Some cities have seen a difference as large as 12 degrees. Redlined neighborhoods remain lower income today and are more likely to have Black or Hispanic residents. They also are more likely to have more paved surfaces that radiate heat, as well as fewer trees and parks that would help cool the air.
A recent New York Times article outlines the stories of Richmond and Gilpin, Virginia, showing in detail how increased heat in once redlined areas leads to increased emergency room visits and increased risk of dying from the strain of higher temperatures. These cities are taking steps to right this wrong. They are investing in green spaces, increasing tree canopy in the hottest neighborhoods, and reducing the number of paved lots. They are working directly with community members to ensure the projects do not displace long-time residents.
Ohioans may be interested in reading a study referenced in this article that looked at the effects of historical housing policies on resident exposure to intra-urban heat. Out of the 108 cities they examined, 12 were in Ohio.
Read more about the work being done in Virginia and how these historical practices are still damaging the health of impacted communities today. Power a Clean Future Ohio is committed to working with communities around the state as they consider increasing green space and investing in clean energy. PCFO’s work is centered around equitable solutions and helping local governments to achieve their goals.
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Green Energy Ohio will be hosting a virtual dialogue on September 16 to discuss the local government perspective around clean energy amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The event will feature Elizabeth Brown, Columbus City Councilwoman, and Justin Tisdale, South Euclid City Councilman. Register to attend here. GEO has hosted a series of virtual conversations to tackle the tough questions being raised around Clean Energy in the Age of Coronavirus. Find recordings of previous discussions here.
Clean Fuels Ohio is excited to host the 6th annual Midwest Green Transportation Forum and Expo from September 14 through September 25. Despite the trials laid in front of them due to COVID-19, the Clean Fuels Ohio team has come up with a creative solution that allows people to virtually come together and learn about the clean transportation technology industry’s advances and opportunities in 2020.
The Midwest Green Transportation Forum and Expo will be conducted through the world-renowned networking and event app, Whova. Registration for general attendance is FREE and attendee participation is completely customizable. Approximately 115 speakers are lined up to present 30 panels over 10 business days. From big picture sessions to policy, EVs, Autogas, natural gas and more, there will be plenty of cutting-edge information to take in.
Sessions organized by Clean Fuels Ohio run from 10:30-12 p.m., 1-2 p.m., and 2:30-3:30 p.m. every day. Networking breaks, select stakeholder meetings, and virtual exhibit hall tours are built into the agenda.
Ohio Environmental Council is virtually hosting their annual law conference "At the Crossroads of Environmental Justice and Democracy" on September 24-25, 2020. They will be exploring the intersection of democracy and the environment, giving the opportunity for attendees to understand what it looks like for a government to work for everyone—and in turn, the environment. There will be a panel on Power a Clean Future Ohio and local clean energy action on September 25. Register here.
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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: ChargePoint |
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Who is ChargePoint?
ChargePoint is creating the new fueling network to move all people and goods on electricity. Since 2007, ChargePoint has been committed to making it easy for businesses and drivers to go electric, with the largest EV charging network and most complete set of charging solutions available today.
Why is it important for ChargePoint to be involved in PCFO?
Reducing pollution and fighting climate change is more important now than ever, and ChargePoint is proud to partner with Power A Clean Future Ohio to work together to drive a more sustainable future for the state and the world.
How do you see PCFO impacting your work/efforts?
Transitioning to electric mobility helps meet sustainability targets for state and local governments, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to build local economies in Ohio by creating green infrastructure jobs, attracting tourism and encouraging people to spend more time at businesses while they charge their vehicles.
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