Power a Clean Future in Your Community
Across the nation, we’re seeing communities determine what’s best for themselves when the people at the top won’t listen. Multiple states have passed aggressive clean energy laws and pledged to dramatically reduce their carbon emissions. Through local, community-driven change, we can make it happen in Ohio, too.
Some Ohio cities of all political stripes have already taken steps towards a clean energy future. Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Lakewood have all committed to meeting a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050 or sooner. Athens has declared a climate emergency and the city’s voters approved a carbon fee on electric bills. Portsmouth has a pledge to reduce carbon emissions 30% by 2030. As well, Grove City.
As the grassroots engine of PCFO, Ohio Citizen Action is proud to introduce you to the nonpartisan organization that works with local elected leaders and community members to develop and implement proven climate solutions. Now is the time for local communities to move Ohio forward. Ohio has the opportunity to generate billions in economic investment, create thousands of new jobs, and improve our health, environment, and air quality. By embracing an affordable clean energy future, we also address inequities, particularly in disproportionately impacted communities. Currently, there are 16 PCFO communities in Ohio.
Regardless of where we live, investing in renewable energy is good for our wallets
The Energy Information Administration projects that renewables will outpace natural gas as our main source of energy by 2045. As renewable energy generation continues to rise, so will the cost of fossil fuels and building the infrastructure to support them. It’s estimated that if our communities don’t make the switch to renewable energy now, we risk costing ratepayers tens of billions of dollars nationwide to bail out utilities that chose to invest in aging technologies.
Reducing carbon emissions, though, is about more than transitioning to renewable energy.
It’s about greening our homes, investing in public transportation, and improving our health. Local energy efficiency programs increase the affordability of our households’ energy bills. Investments in public transportation, like improved infrastructure and electrified fleets, will reduce carbon output in a sector that is responsible for nearly 30% of the U.S.’s carbon dioxide emissions. Decreasing carbon emissions from the transportation and power sectors will also mean a decrease in other pollutants and the health problems that come with them, like increased rates of asthma.
If we don’t reduce carbon emissions, the effects of climate change in the Midwest will only worsen. This includes more heatwaves, heavier rainfall, and flooding. Not only will this continue to hurt our farmers, but it will put the most vulnerable among us at risk. Heatwaves can worsen air pollution, ultimately having the worst effects on low-income communities and communities of color that are already disproportionately hurt by air pollution. The changing weather can also worsen the algal bloom in Lake Erie, as we saw in 2019 when heavy spring rainfall and a warm summer with calm winds created an algal bloom eight times the size of Cleveland. Heavy rainfall also put Lake Erie at record high water levels in summer 2019, making coastal Ohio cities more susceptible to flooding.
There are many ways to reduce our carbon emissions, but the first step is to make the commitment. Three Ohio cities have already pledged to go 100% renewable, a promise that will drastically cut their carbon emissions upon implementation. Learn more about Power a Clean Future Ohio's efforts for community-driven change at poweracleanfuture.org
Help us organize in your neighborhood by taking this survey
Also, write or email a letter to your mayor
Urge them to have your city join Power a Clean Future Ohio.
Get your letter started with these talking points:
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How would cheaper energy bills and increased renewable energy options benefit you and your family?
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How will reducing carbon emissions locally improve life for your family?
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Why do you want your city to join the Power A Clean Future Ohio campaign and reduce carbon emissions in Ohio?
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Encourage your mayor to commit your city or town to reducing carbon emissions at least 30% by 2030.
Remind your mayor of the benefits of joining PCFO:
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Access to resources to support your city’s clean air strategies
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Implementation of a fleet analysis, to spot efficiencies and opportunities for cost savings in your city’s clean air strategies
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Equity coaching, to ensure solutions benefit the entire community
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Build more renewable energy locally
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Create new career opportunities for local residents in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle industries
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Implement equitable energy policy to support frontline communities
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Reduce energy waste in homes, workplaces, and government operations
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Provide and preserve quality greenspace for residents that also serve as carbon sinks
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