Ohio is one of the most energy-dependent
states in America. Our state imports 89 percent of its natural gas, 61 percent
of its coal, and 97 percent of its oil and petroleum. Each year, Ohio sends billions of dollars out of state to support
our addiction to those fossil fuels. In 2001, for example, Ohio spent over $29 billion on energy, and $16 billion of
those dollars were exported to other states or nations.
This dependence on fossil fuels and other dangerous, expensive energy sources, such as nuclear power, is polluting Ohio’s air
and water, hurting our health, and driving up health care costs. It is jeopardizing
our national security and safety, dragging down our economy, and placing a big
burden on Ohio’s consumers.
Fortunately,
there is a clean energy path at our doorstep.
That’s why Environment Ohio is calling on Ohio’s leaders to support a New Energy
Future plan for Ohio.
The New Energy Future plan would:
- Reduce our dependence on oil through improved gas mileage,
better transportation choices and clean fuels.
- Harness
our clean, renewable, homegrown energy sources like wind, solar and
farm-based bio-fuels for at least 20 percent of Ohio’s energy by 2020.
Ohio has the potential to generate electricity from wind and
solar resources, and to use switchgrass and agricultural
by-products to help power our cars. By making a commitment to clean
energy and reforming utility regulations, we can make it easier for
Ohio's farmers to access and use the renewable energy resources on
their land.
- Save energy with high-performance homes, buildings and appliances,
so that by 2017 we use 10 percent less energy in Ohio than we do today. Improvements in energy efficiency are
possible in virtually every aspect of American life. By building homes and offices that use
less energy, and by improving the efficiency of appliances and industrial
equipment, we can transform the way we consume energy.
- Lead the nation by investing in the New Energy for America Initiative, which would triple research and development funding for the energy-saving and renewable technologies we need to achieve these goals. And, make necessary improvements to the Advanced Energy Fund to make it a permanent and effective driver of renewable energy development, local manufacturing projects for renewable parts, and energy efficiency measures.
Ohio’s leaders must act now by pushing for real energy solutions -- and by turning down oil companies that keep their hands out for more subsidies. That’s why Environment Ohio is urging Ohio’s leaders to promote and invest in a new energy future for Ohio.
