Press Release:
America can reduce global warming pollution by nearly 10 percent annually, reduce oil consumption by more than 25 million barrels annually, and create or sustain more than 3 million jobs by making investment in clean energy and transportation a cornerstone of our economic recovery plan, according to a report by Environment Ohio.
“Our nation can no longer afford the toll dirty energy is exacting on our environment and economy,” said Michele Fisher, the Environmental Associate with Environment Ohio. “Clean energy can protect our environment and rev our economic engine to generate a brighter future for Ohio.”
Environment Ohio’s report, Clean Energy, Bright Future, estimates the environmental benefits of $150 billion in investments in clean energy such as wind and solar power and green infrastructure such as public transit. These investments will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the leading cause of global warming, by 670 million tons per year when fully implemented. This would represent a significant step towards reducing the nation’s carbon pollution by what scientists say is necessary to avert the worst impacts of global warming.
The report and its recommendations were well received by Ohio’s local, state, and national leaders.
“We can build upon Ohio’s manufacturing base to create a new generation of green jobs,” said Ohio’s U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. “This report underscores that investment in green infrastructure can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create long-term economic growth.”
“It is critical to get our nation’s economy moving again and to ensure that those that have lost their jobs or can’t find work can do so as soon as possible. A great way to stimulate the economy is by creating green jobs and promoting environmentally friendly development,” stated Congresswoman Kilroy (OH-15). “I appreciate the efforts of Environment Ohio to highlight what can be done in Ohio to stimulate the economy in a ‘green way’.”
Environment Ohio’s proposals have the potential to meet the bulk of President-elect Obama’s goal of creating or sustaining nearly 3 million jobs and will help the President-elect fulfill his promise to reduce the nation’s oil dependence, according to the analysis.
Among the recommendations in the report are weatherizing U.S. homes and businesses, training workers for new, clean energy industries, and increasing public transportation capacity to meet rapidly growing demand. Dozens of Ohio companies are gearing up to be a part of this green economic recovery plan.
“Jennings Heating has been in the energy business for over 70 years, and we have been and continue to be successful because we help people find the best answer to their energy needs, not the familiar one,” stated Mike Foraker, CEO of Jennings Heating and The Energy Factory. Foraker’s company increases energy efficiency through weatherization practices. “I hope that Congress will look to green energy solutions as well,” concluded Foraker.
In addition to the private sector, cities all across Ohio have identified over one hundred “shovel-ready” green economic development projects.
“To be successful, the Economic Stimulus package must be a sound investment in our future. This means that funding for projects that conserve energy, promote alternative fuels and clean our environment must be a priority. “Green” jobs can’t be outsourced, and Ohio can be a leader in this area,” confirmed Akron Mayor Donald Plusquellic. “I have pledged to work with Governor Strickland to ensure that Ohio and its cities receive a fair share of funds and that they are invested wisely.”
The call for a green economic stimulus plan was echoed by Ohio’s congressional members across the state.
“It is clear that our country should move away from foreign sources of energy and increase our domestic production of alternative renewable power. I am proud that innovators throughout our region are developing the next generation of clean, American made energy and paving the way for energy independence,” said Congresswoman Sutton (OH-13). “This is the kind of innovation and growth that will create good-paying green jobs, help protect our environment and bring renewed economic vitality to our region.”
“In the coming weeks, we will be working to revive our economy. That includes making Ohio and the nation more energy independent while creating good-paying jobs at the same time,” said Congressman Boccieri (OH-16). “We must adopt a forward-looking agenda by reinvigorating our manufacturing economy. That will help to create green jobs that cannot be outsourced. Ohio is primed to be part of this solution.”
“We need to create an Apollo program that would revolutionize our energy sources and free us from our dependence on foreign oil, support fuel cell research at Stark State, invest in emerging technologies like plug-in hybrid cars that are being researched at the EBO Group in Medina County, support agriculture as Ohio’s number one industry with research being conducted at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wayne County, and invest in sustainable biofuels that can be grown out of Ashland County,” continued Congressman Boccieri. “We must invest in clean, renewable energy and provide incentives for businesses to invest in the same.”
“If we continue with business as usual dirty energy and highways to nowhere we will be laying the groundwork for decades of increased carbon pollution,” said Fisher. “Green infrastructure means more and better jobs now, as well as less global warming pollution, fewer asthma attacks from air pollution, more clean lakes and rivers for drinking water, swimming and fishing, and more secure energy in the long term,” added Fisher.
“That’s why we are calling on President-elect Obama and the new Congress to keep it clean and pass a green recovery plan for a cleaner safer stronger America,” concluded Fisher.
More Information can be found at www.EnvironmentOhio.org.