Last summer, Ohio moved to freeze its successful energy efficiency and renewable energy standard despite widespread opposition from a variety of organizations including many national, regional and state businesses. Because of their action, the state's progress in creating jobs and providing economic stability was halted. Since then a coalition has formed to get those standards back.
As part of that effort, a public forum was held in Dayton, OH that kicked off a new pledge drive to urge Ohio’s lawmakers to reinstate the energy efficiency and renewables standard. Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) member Greg Smith, Founder of Energy Optimizers in Tipp City, provided remarks at the Dayton Forum in support of strong energy efficiency standards. E2 also released a video of Greg’s story at the forum.
| Pam Menges of Star Sailor Energy speaking at Cincinnati Roundtable. |
E2 is continuing to build the case that environmental policy is good for the economy in Ohio. On March 18, we hosted a business roundtable in Cincinnati, OH, where over 30 people attended to hear about city, state, and federal policy. Pam Menges of Star Sailor Energy spoke about how clean energy helps create viable small businesses throughout the country. Larry Falkin, the Director of the City of Cincinnati's Office of Environment & Sustainability, attended the event and welcomed the group discussion.
To help business and nonprofit leaders continue to build support for these policies and the federal Clean Power Plan, E2 is hosting a media and communications training in Columbus.
E2 will continue to serve as a resource for Ohio businesses to help the reinstante the much-needed, successful energy standards and to support the federal Clean Power Plan. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are Ohio’s path to a clean energy future that will boost the state's economy and build healthier communities to work and raise a family.
– Gail Parson is E2's Midwest Advocate.