The Ohio Environmental Council

Continue to celebrate the positive impacts of federal climate investments across Ohio’s communities! Earlier this year, select Ohio school districts were awarded investments into clean energy school buses.

These electric buses not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also provide cleaner air for children, specifically limiting harmful pollution connected to asthma. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Youngstown will receive 15 buses, Euclid will receive 10, and Cincinnati will receive 10, alongside many more across the state.

Continue to join us this week as we share incredible stories of climate action and success stemming from these federal investments. Together, we're paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

PARTNER EVENT: Concerned about the ethics of the U.S. Supreme Court? Please join the Ohio Fair Courts Alliance on Thursday, August 15 at 7 PM for a robust conversation with a panel of experts about the recent scandals, how we got here, and how we can move forward.

RSVP: bit.ly/CourtReform

Celebrate an incredible milestone in US history this week with OEC! Two years ago, the Biden-Harris Administration signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, one of the largest climate investments in U.S. history.

To tackle the climate crisis and reduce air pollution, the Biden-Harris Administration recently awarded a $129+ million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to Cuyahoga County, along with the cities of Cleveland and Painesville. This grant will support the transition away from a coal-fired power plant, installation of solar panels and battery storage, and restoration of former brownfield sites. This incredible investment further helps address the growing issues of low air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and rising energy prices across the state.

Throughout this week we will continue to share incredible stories of change and success stemming from these federal investments. Together, we're paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Learn more: energynews.us/2024/08/01/inflation-reduction-act-grant-gives-landfill-solar-a-boost-in-ohio/

Join our team! We're hiring a full-time Membership Engagement Manager to support the growth of our advancement program. Learn more and apply today: https://theoec.org/careers-and-internships/membership-engagement-manager-2/

The Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are historic investments in climate action, but what does that really mean?

Embracing these investments means we can lower our home energy costs, upgrade our aging utility infrastructure, and ensure our communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change. Moreover, putting these funds to work across Ohio will support good-paying jobs while improving air and water quality.

Imagine with us what our future could look like as we put these investments to work in our recent article ➡️

Investing in Ohio's Climate Future Good news, Ohio! ☀️ The Inflation Reduction Act & Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are bringing billions for clean energy, cleaner air, and better jobs. Learn how these investments are building a healthier future for all Ohioans.

We're just a few short weeks away from the 2024 Ohio Public Interest Environmental Law Conference! All are invited to join the OEC and the Environmental Professionals Network on September 19 in Columbus (or online) for a day of conversations focused on “Protecting the Spaces and Places of Ohio’s Environment."

Register today: https://theoec.org/opielc/

Cleveland residents, your input is needed! Take this short survey to inform the policies, programs, and projects the City of Cleveland should commit to in the coming years to address the . Responses are due Friday, August 9!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PVBQ33N

(For more information, be sure to see Sustainable Cleveland.)

TODAY! Join the OEC Law Center and the ACLUOhio for a webinar at 12:30 PM to discuss the sustainability and social equity of the emerging regulatory framework for the recreational cannabis industry in Ohio.

http://bit.ly/0824-Law-Event

“In order to match the scale of the problem and restore Lake Erie, we really need bolder investments in Ohio and stronger wetlands protections and more aggressive non-point pollution reduction strategies,” said Emily Kelly, OEC Agriculture and Water Coordinator.

More from the Ohio Newsroom on efforts to prevent harmful algal blooms as we remember the 2014 Toledo Water Crisis:

A decade ago, Toledo lost access to its water. Toxic algal blooms are still a problem In 2014, a harmful algal bloom contaminated Toledo’s drinking water. It spurred action from community, city and state organizations to address water quality on Lake Erie.

Ten years ago, nearly half a million Toledo residents went 3 days without safe water. Today, the OEC and The Junction Coalition honor those impacted and share their collective story exploring the event, its aftermath, and the fight for clean water.

Read their story & learn more: https://bit.ly/Toledo-water-crisis

REMINDER: Join the OEC and the ACLUOhio for a joint webinar on August 6 at 12:30 PM to discuss the sustainability and social equity of the emerging regulatory framework for the recreational cannabis industry in Ohio.

This event is free and open to the public, and continuing legal education credits are available for attorneys. Register today ➡️ http://bit.ly/0824-Law-Event

Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, four Ohio transit agencies will receive major funds to upgrade their operations and lay the groundwork for a larger-scale transition to zero-emission vehicles.

“When we invest in transit, we also invest in greater fairness and equity, supporting mobility for all,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown in a statement.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown added, “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that we passed is connecting communities and making it easier for Ohioans to get around."

Funds include:
🚍 $10.6 million for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
🚍 $22.8 million for the Central Ohio Transit Authority
🚍 $17.3 million to the Stark (County) Area Regional Transit Authority
🚍 $1.3 million for the Western Reserve Transit Authority in Mahoning County

Learn more ➡️ https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/07/greater-cleveland-rta-wins-106m-grant-to-buy-electric-buses-for-poorer-service-areas.html

Did you know that forests — especially mature forests — are crucial in the fight against climate change?

Nearly 95% of our great state was once covered in lush, healthy, old-growth forest. Unfortunately, virtually all of Ohio’s old-growth forests are gone. Today, less than 30% of our land is forested at all and an event smaller percentage is held for the public benefit.

You can support the OEC's work to protect Ohio's forests 🌳 Learn more in our recent article: https://theoec.org/ohio-forests/

A perfect night at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center! 🐦🔥 We spotted some amazing birds, enjoyed delicious pizza and drinks, and met many new friends. Thanks to everyone who joined us for an evening of nature and community!

Be a part of our Emerging Leaders group for more events like this one! Sign up here: https://theoec.org/emerging-leaders/

Central Ohio residents, your input is needed! Take this short survey to inform the initial plan for Columbus and Central Ohio's climate action plans to improve air quality and support a healthier environment for all who call the region home: https://ow.ly/MbNA50SCWWb

Yesterday, Ohio’s Secretary of State certified the Citizens Not Politicians amendment to appear on the ballot this November! OEC joined a large coalition of organizations and volunteers who proudly gathered signatures to end gerrymandering in Ohio and ensure fair elections.

Ohio’s environment and communities cannot thrive without a healthy democracy. For more information, visit Citizens Not Politicians

UPCOMING EVENT: Join the OEC and the ACLUOhio for a joint webinar on August 6 at 12:30 PM to discuss the sustainability and social equity of the emerging regulatory framework for the recreational cannabis industry in Ohio.

This event is free and open to the public, and continuing legal education credits are available for attorneys. Register today ➡️ http://bit.ly/0824-Law-Event

Central Ohio followers: Join OEC Emerging Leaders and the Grange Insurance Audubon Center on July 25 for an evening of connecting with nature and community!

Register today — spots are limited! https://bit.ly/EL-summer24

Ohio is one of the most gerrymandered states in the nation. What does that mean in the fight for environmental justice?

As former OEC staff member Callia Téllez shared during Ohio's last redistricting process: "The communities packed and cracked into districts that minimize their influence and create political inequality are often the same ones that deal with disproportionate exposure to toxic air, polluted waters, and systemic inequities."

It doesn't have to be this way. This fall, Ohioans will have the opportunity to put in charge of our redistricting process.

Read the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law Blog ➡️ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-gerrymandering-contributes-environmental-injustice

Learn more about Citizens Not Politicians ➡️ https://www.citizensnotpoliticians.org/

LAW UPDATE: The Supreme Court sided with polluters over the people of the United States when it recently overturned what's known as “Chevron deference.” What does this mean for our environment? Learn more from the OEC Law Center: https://bit.ly/oec-scotus-chevron-2024

We have a difficult but important fight ahead to ensure Ohio participates in the renewable energy transition happening across the country.

More from OEC General Counsel Chris Tavenor in this recent Cleveland.com story on the impacts of Ohio legislation that allows local governments to ban wind and solar farms in their jurisdictions ➡️ https://www.cleveland.com/open/2024/07/how-state-legislation-led-the-banning-of-big-wind-and-solar-projects-in-a-fourth-of-ohios-counties.html

Our Community Conversation has been postponed this evening and will be rescheduled for a later date. Stay tuned for updates!

The Biden-Harris Administration recently announced millions in Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funding for Ohio. This critical funding will support energy efficiency and climate resilience renovations at properties housing low-income individuals, families, and seniors.

Learn more about this win for Ohioans and the environment — especially those in Cincinnati ➡️

2 affordable housing complexes receive federal funding for energy-efficient upgrades The complexes near Washington Park will receive solar panels, new roofs and windows, and become fully electric.

"The only way to meaningfully reduce harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie and protect our drinking water, economy, and way of life is to significantly reduce the nutrient pollution," said Emily Kelly, OEC agricultural and water coordinator.

We must continue to innovate and scale long-term solutions to ensure safe, clean water for all. 💦 More from the Toledo Blade: https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2024/06/27/algal-bloom-growing-in-lake-erie-but-only-moderate-intensity-expected/stories/20240627106

Many visitors will visit and explore Ohio's state parks this holiday weekend. Whether they hike, swim, or camp out under the stars, we think they'll agree — Ohio's public lands are worth fighting for and deserve to be protected.

Unfortunately, another large portion of Ohio's largest state park has been nominated for fracking. Will you join us in speaking up to protect Salt Fork State Park?

Take action today! Public comments on this latest nomination are due July 15. ➡️ https://theoec.org/save-our-parks/

A healthy environment requires a healthy democracy, which is why we're working with Ohioans across the state to .

This week, we joined the Citizens Not Politicians campaign to submit 731,306 signatures to put the to put citizens in charge of the redistricting process in Ohio.

Learn more about the amendment and pledge to vote YES for in November: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/pledge-to-vote-yes-for-fair-maps

We were thrilled to join hundreds of Ohioans today at the Ohio Statehouse to celebrate turning in 731,000 signatures for Citizens Not Politicians!

We know that protecting Ohio’s environment includes protecting our democracy. That’s why we’re supporting the Ballot Initiative.

Thanks to all who helped collect signatures. Now, take the pledge to vote YES for in November: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/pledge-to-vote-yes-for-fair-maps