Montgomery County joins Power A Clean Future Ohio, Becoming 22nd Community and Second County
(COLUMBUS, OH)— At Tuesday’s Montgomery County’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the County Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio, furthering the County’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the communities it serves. PCFO will work with local leaders to provide technical assistance and partnerships to help County staff as they review and update the Dayton Regional Green initiative and implement the five-year sustainability plan. With passage of this resolution, Montgomery County became the 22nd community to join Power a Clean Future Ohio and is the second 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, “Montgomery County continues to demonstrate responsible stewardship of resources to raise awareness and educate businesses, employees, residents, and the community to enhance a sustainable region and incorporate sustainable practices through energy and natural resource conservation, renewable energy development, and clean transportation solutions. Joining Power a Clean Future Ohio empowers local leaders with tools and resources to create carbon reduction plans and implement them in ways that are achievable, measurable, equitable, and economical.”
“We have looked forward to doing this for quite some time,” said Montgomery County Commission President Judy Dodge. “By implementing this plan and working with Power a Clean Future Ohio, we are securing a better future for all of our citizens. We look forward to seeing the results this partnership with PCFO will bring.”
Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice said, “Power a Clean Future Ohio is an expansive coalition of advocates and policy experts that can provide real support and critical tools and resources to our work in the region. We are thrilled to have them assist the county as we take a long-term view to be best positioned for the inevitable transition to an electric and green fleet. Their fleet analysis will help us draft a comprehensive and fiscally responsive solution that includes charging infrastructure alongside a fleet transition plan.”
Plans for an electric fleet are already in the works. Construction began in August on the new Western Regional Courthouse in Trotwood. The buildout will include two electric vehicle charging stations.
“Montgomery County will continue to play a leading role in maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment for our residents as we keep looking for ways to integrate renewable energy into the County’s operations,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman. “We support infrastructure investments into County operations. We hope agencies and organizations across the County will also look for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
As detailed in the resolution that was approved by County Commissioners, Montgomery County will pursue goals that support a 2021-2025 sustainability plan across all County departments over the next five years as the Board of County Commissioners challenges its employees, department heads and executive staff to help meet sustainability goals including:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from County buildings with a 10% reduction in gas and electric use based on FY 2020 levels.
Strive for green, sustainable and healthy buildings and grounds.
Advance environmental sustainability in purchasing and contracting procedures.
Guide the County towards a more efficient fleet by optimizing the existing fleet and transitioning to a clean, green fleet.
Reduce solid waste generated from County facilities to increase waste recycling rate to a minimum of 25%, reduce total waste generated (trash + diverted streams) by 10% based on FY20 levels, and expand diverted streams.
Build a culture of sustainability at County workplace to inspire, educate and engage County employees on sustainability initiatives.
Promote, advance, and lead the region towards sustainability and energy conservation to continue supporting the community at large through the Green Business Certification Program and Bring Your Green Challenge and create a sustainable identity for the region.
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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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.
You can view Montgomery County’s sustainability plan at www.mcohio.org then click on Departments, Office of Strategic Initiatives, Sustainability Plan.