Lucas County Joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Becoming 21st Community and First County
(COLUMBUS, OH)— At Tuesday’s Lucas County’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the county commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio and committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Lucas County by 30% by 2030 below 2010 levels. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help county staff as they review and update their Greater Toledo: Going Beyond Green sustainability plan. With passage of this resolution, Lucas County became the 21st community to join Power A Clean Future Ohio and is the first county to join.
Power A Clean Future Ohio is a nonpartisan coalition and campaign 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.
Joe Flarida, Executive Director of Power a Clean Future Ohio said, “Power a Clean Future Ohio is proud to welcome Lucas County as its first county and 21st PCFO Community. In July, the city of Toledo became the 17th city to join PCFO so we are excited to expand our work regionally to ensure communities across Lucas County can take advantage of the clean energy future we are building in Ohio. Setting goals is a critical step to building a plan for the future and Lucas County has demonstrated its leadership by setting a goal to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 below 2010 levels.”
Lucas County Commissioner Tina Wozniak said, “Power a Clean Future Ohio is offering critical support to the County as we chart a path forward that will protect our environment and grow our economy. We’re eager to work with partners to ensure our sustainability plans lead the state and prioritize the health and well-being of our communities first and foremost.”
Brendan Kelley, Drive Electric Ohio Director, Clean Fuels Ohio said, “We applaud Lucas County for their leadership and vision. By joining PCFO, Clean Fuels Ohio and other technical partners will be able to provide services to the County at no cost to them, such as an analysis to convert their fleet to electric vehicles, which will save them money while also cutting their emissions.”
Wozniak added, “We look forward to working toward common and shared goals that our county supports, form partnerships, coordinate the collection of information and share resources and expertise. That has always been a key aspect of this work and joining PCFO puts our county in contact with experts and peers that can accelerate that work.”
As detailed in the resolution that was approved by county commissioners, Lucas County reaffirmed its commitment to put its sustainability goals as a top priority. The Going Beyond Green plan intentionally addresses issues of sustainability and how this issue can benefit the community and economy for current and future generations.
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 Lucas County 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.
Counties like Lucas County 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.