Canton joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Prioritizing a Modern Electric Vehicle Fleet and Key Cost-Saving Resources
(COLUMBUS, OH)— At Monday’s City Council meeting the City of Canton passed a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). The resolution was sponsored by Mayor Thomas Bernabei and Council Members Robert Fisher and John Mariol. The city will work with PCFO to identify clean energy solutions to save the city money and find new sources of grant funding for clean energy and clean transportation projects. As a first step, the city is planning to utilize PCFO’s resources to complete a fleet analysis in partnership with Clean Fuels Ohio, which will help the city identify opportunities to purchase electric vehicles that will reduce costs and emissions.
Power A Clean Future Ohio is a nonpartisan coalition and statewide initiative that is dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy.
Mayor Bernabei said, “Thank you Canton City Council for your leadership on this issue, particularly Councilmembers John Mariol II and Robert Fisher. We are looking forward to working with Power A Clean Future Ohio, other cities and local governments to work for a clean energy solution for our city and residents and environment at large.”
Canton City Councilmember Robert Fisher said, “As Chairman of the Environmental and Public Utilities Committee let me say it is an honor for Canton to partner with Power A Clean Future Ohio. Pandemic aside, global warming is the single greatest threat to our planet today and I feel it is up to local leaders to do all we can to combat this threat. I thank Mayor Bernabei, Service Director Highman, all of my City Council colleagues, and especially my good friend, Ward 7 Councilmember John Mariol for their support in this matter. Canton is a very progressive city and I am proud to call it home. I look forward to working with PCFO to further reverse the effects of global warming on our community.”
Joe Flarida, Executive Director of Power a Clean Future Ohio said, “One of the main areas of focus for Power a Clean Future Ohio is clean transportation. With the regional influence and interest in the emerging electric vehicle manufacturing sector, we know this partnership is coming at a critical time for our state and especially for Canton’s government and residents. Our entire coalition looks forward to supporting the vision of Mayor Bernabei and City Council built around smart government and innovative solutions for a clean energy future. We are proud that Canton has joined PCFO and is the 26th community in our state to take that step.”
Utilizing clean energy sources improves air quality, a significant issue for the state. Ohio ranks 46th in the nation in asthma rates for children ages 0-17. Poor air quality is a major contributor to asthma rates, particularly in disproportionately impacted communities, which is the leading reason for hospital ER visits in this age group. Developing innovative solutions to harmful air pollution will also serve to protect the health of all Canton residents.
In 2020, 103,400 people were employed in clean energy jobs throughout the state, and Ohio auto manufacturers are planning major investments to build more electric vehicles in Ohio in the coming years. In addition, 39 companies that are either headquartered in Ohio or are among the state’s 100 largest employers have dedicated plans to be powered by 100% renewable energy by a specific date.
Cities like Canton are joining with these employers in making a commitment to spur the economic growth and development that results from embracing clean technologies and advanced transportation. The jobs of the future are in clean energy and clean transportation.