Top Priority 

More leaders see wind in Ohio's future 

A growing number of state leaders and experts are seeing wind power in Ohio’s energy future. Environment Ohio staff and members have helped promote the shift through a series of actions in recent months.

On May 24, Environment Ohio’s Erin Bowser met with Gov. Strickland to discuss how Ohio can be a leader in renewable energy production and job creation.  Bowser was joined by the state’s leading labor and environmental leaders, who are working as the Ohio Blue Green Alliance.  The alliance is focused on sending a message to the state’s leaders that Ohio can create jobs and improve our economy by making a commitment to clean, renewable energy sources like wind power.

Gov. Strickland was receptive to our message and this fall, legislation is likely to be introduced that will set the stage for a new renewable energy policy. Since the spring, we have also met with more than half of Ohio’s legislative leaders about renewable energy policies and released two research reports and new data revealing the benefits of wind energy.  We also worked with dozens of important constituency groups such as businesses, farmers and county commissioners.

On April 19, Environment Ohio worked with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and the Cleveland Foundation to release new wind maps from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.  

“These maps demonstrate that a new, more energy-independent future could be in store for Ohio,” stated Amy Gomberg, an advocate with Environment Ohio. “Even if we only tap into a small portion of our wind potential we could generate at least 10-20 percent of Ohio’s electricity from wind, powering millions of Ohio homes and realizing significant environmental and economic benefits.”

On May 9, Gomberg testified at a House Alternative Energy Committee hearing. “Ohio has the wind resources, technological know-how and extensive manufacturing base to develop at least 10 to 20 percent of our electricity from wind by 2020,” stated Gomberg, “Now we need Ohio’s leaders to work together to make a cleaner, safer and healthier energy future a reality for all Ohioans.”