PCFO Honors Outstanding Staff Champions, Cities of Lima, Youngstown, and Cuyahoga County
(Columbus, OH) – On Wednesday, December 11, Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Clean Energy Champions Awards at COSI in Columbus, Ohio. Mayors, elected officials, city and county staff, and advocates from across the state gathered to recognize the exceptional efforts of those powering emissions reductions and the clean energy transition in Ohio.
PCFO proudly recognized its marquee award recipients during the dinner. These awards highlight the impactful work being done at the local level and inspire others to champion clean energy initiatives.
Environmental Innovator Award: Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County was recognized with this honor for its all-in approach to sustainability, including leveraging IRA funding for the Solar on Schools program that will address energy problems and benefit the budget. Most notably, though, the County took the innovative step to create Cuyahoga Green Energy, the first County municipal utility in the state, focused entirely on renewable energy and resiliency.
“We are honored to be recognized as Environmental Innovators and proud of the impactful steps Cuyahoga County has taken to lead in clean energy and sustainability,” said Jenita McGowan, Deputy Chief of Staff for Climate and Sustainability. “Programs like Solar for Schools and the creation of Cuyahoga Green Energy show what’s possible when innovation and community benefit are at the heart of our efforts.”
Clean Energy Innovator Award: City of Lima
The City of Lima was recognized for its unique floating solar array project at Twin Lakes Reservoir. The project will allow the city to reduce electrical costs at the water treatment facility. It will be the largest floating solar array in Ohio.
“The floating solar project ties directly into our community’s long-term sustainability and economic development goals,” said Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith. “This project turns one of our largest energy consumers into a green-powered facility while conserving valuable land. We are thankful for Power a Clean Future Ohio’s support, as we work together to build a more sustainable future.”
Energy Justice Champion: City of Youngstown
The City of Youngstown is being recognized as the Energy Justice Champion for its commitment to protecting the well-being of residents by standing up to ill-advised development proposals and thoroughly investigating the environmental and health impacts of a proposed waste-to-energy plant. Listening to the voices of their residents, the City ultimately issued a moratorium on the development.
“This award is a testament to the power of listening to our community and prioritizing their health and well-being,” said Mayor Jamael Tito Brown. “In Youngstown, we believe that every energy decision we make should serve our residents equitably and be made in the best interest of the next generation.”
Clean Energy Staff Champions
The program also honored three Clean Energy Staff Champions for their leadership and dedication to building a clean energy future for their community.
Valerie Katz, Cuyahoga County
Robert McCracken, City of Cincinnati
John Highman, City of Canton
Carla Walker, Director of Environmental Justice and Equity for the World Resources Institute, provided powerful and inspiring keynote remarks, sharing experiences from her shining career in public service and environmental justice. She concluded her remarks by challenging leaders in attendance to continue being “a spark for change” in their communities.
Clean Energy & Climate Action Community Recognition
Several communities were recognized for earning designation as Clean Energy Communities for implementing a 100% clean energy program, and Climate Action Communities, for those recognized for their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and effectively addressing climate change.
Clean Energy Communities: City of Bexley, City of Cleveland Heights, City of Gahanna, City of Garfield Heights, City of Lakewood, City of Shaker Heights, City of South Euclid, City of Upper Arlington
Climate Action Communities: City of Gahanna, City of Munroe Falls, City of Oxford
PCFO is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of Ohio's communities and leaders working tirelessly toward a sustainable future. The Clean Energy Champions Awards highlighted the innovation, collaboration, and resilience of those championing clean energy solutions and climate action across the state.
PCFO is grateful for the generous support of its Luminary Sponsor, Growth Opportunity Partners, in addition to the Ohio Conservative Energy Forum, BRITE Energy Innovators, Nutter Consulting, and other event partners.