Portsmouth joins Power A Clean Future Ohio Highlighting Commitment to a Cleaner Energy Future and ‘Greener’ Place to Live

(COLUMBUS, OH)— The Portsmouth City Council officially passed a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO). The first priority is to work on an assessment of the city’s energy usage and identify opportunities for great efficiency, cost savings, and ultimately lower emissions. 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. During a Monday’s city council meeting, Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

Joe Flarida, Executive Director of Power a Clean Future Ohio said, “This announcement is an exciting moment for the City of Portsmouth and its residents. We are thrilled to welcome Portsmouth to Power a Clean Future Ohio and look forward to our work together to achieve local clean energy and sustainability goals. City Council’s leadership will help propel the city forward to embrace an emerging 21st Century economy powered by clean energy and clean transportation. In doing this work together our aim will be to save the city and taxpayer money, while preserving the environment and fostering new job opportunities.”

Councilman Sean Dunne sponsored the resolution to join PCFO and has been a leading voice on council on these issues. Councilman Dunne said, “Last year, Portsmouth was named an All-American City by the National Civic League – one of ten chosen across the country. It was an effort I was proud to work on and in doing so we as a community demonstrated that in the face of any challenge our city knows how to come together and lead the way in creating a home we’re proud of. I am excited for the work ahead with Power a Clean Future Ohio to identify opportunities that our city can seize to build a better economy that protects our environment, saves residents on the electric bills, and plants the seeds for clean energy job creation in the region.”

In 2019, 114,000 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.

Local communities like Portsmouth 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.

Utilizing clean energy sources also 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 Portsmouth residents.

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