Environment Ohio, green energy businesses, and elected
leaders stand together to promote renewable energy policies that will generate
jobs and reduce pollution
Columbus, Cleveland,
Newark, Ohio – Over twenty green
energy businesses, elected leaders, and energy experts stood with Environment
Ohio as they released a new report “Growing Ohio’s Green Energy Economy.” The report shows that Ohio is home to more
than 440 businesses and research institutions in the solar, wind, biomass,
geothermal, and fuel cell industries.
“Growing Ohio’s green energy economy will create jobs and reduce
pollution,” stated Amy Gomberg, Program Director with Environment Ohio.
“Passing pro-renewable energy policies are a win for the environment and the
economy.”
The report looks at each of these renewable energy
industries to show how many businesses and research institutions, and other
auxiliary services in Ohio are contributing to growing these green energy
sectors.
“Renewable energy has a positive impact on our customers in
many ways, touching all aspects of the Triple Bottom Line approach to sustainability:
good for People, good for the Planet, and good for Profit,” stated Mark
Zappe with Johnson Controls. “At Johnson Controls we support policies that
promote clean energy, because an increased demand for renewable energy is good
for business and good for Ohio’s economy.”
Solar and wind energy are two of the largest green energy
sectors. There are more than 220 businesses and research institutions involved
in the wind energy supply chain, and 115 involved in solar energy. These
companies range from mid-sized solar installation companies, like Dovetail
Solar and Wind to large manufacturing companies like Cardinal Fastener.
“At Cardinal Fastener, we are thrilled to be involved in
manufacturing critical fastener components for the wind turbine industry,”
stated John W. Grabner the President of Cardinal Fasteners. “Our company
believes, like so many others, that the future for increased renewable energy
use is positive for our environment and also good for business.
Therefore, 3 years ago, we became very proactive in approaching this emerging
market and have seen significant increases in our business activity with the
companies building wind turbines and servicing the industry. In addition,
the State of Ohio, with their aggressive renewable energy policies, and other
state, regional, and local groups, who have been bringing business to this
area, make this an ideal place to have a business.”
The report identified more than 60 companies involved
in biomass energy, 90 businesses in the geothermal industry, and 115 businesses
and research institutions involved in the fuel cell industry.
The renewable energy policy passed in Ohio in May 2008 and
the recently passed federal economic recovery plan, which included $32 billion
for renewable energy, started to lay the ground work for continued growth in
the green energy sectors. However, Environment Ohio called on Ohio’s leaders to
take further policy actions that will reinforce the move to a green energy
future.
On the federal level, Environment Ohio urged Congressional
leaders to enact a federal renewable electricity standard of 25 percent by 2025
to drive up the demand for renewable energy across the country. Additionally, they
urged Congress to put a cap on carbon pollution. The carbon cap should reduce
by 35% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
These policy recommendations were well received by the
renewable energy business leaders.
“We’ve been designing and installing renewable energy
systems throughout Ohio since 1995 - for over 14 years. Recently,
we’ve seen a significant increased interest from Ohioans who want to produce
their own clean energy, and become more energy independent,” stated Alan Frasz,
Vice President with Dovetail Solar and Wind. “From our own business experience
growing over 240% in 2008, it’s clear that renewable energy holds great
potential for economic growth and job creation. We urge
Congress to pass a federal renewable electricity standard, and put a cap on
carbon pollution, to help continue to drive the renewable energy industry in
Ohio, while improving our environment.”
Additionally, Congress is currently considering President
Obama’s budget. The budget proposal
includes a commitment to action on energy issues by assuming $646 billion in
revenue over 10 years from reducing global warming pollution and requiring
polluters to pay for 100% of the allowances to pollute. Environment Ohio urged Congress to support
these measures, as another step towards growing Ohio’s green energy economy
through the potential investment this revenue could provide for clean energy.
Renewable energy companies across the board support increased
investment in the green energy economy.
“Over the years that
we have been involved in the wind industry we’ve observed significant growth in
the demand for products and services used for renewable energy
development. At Clyde Industrial we support policies that promote clean
energy, because an increased demand for renewable energy is good for our
business and good for Ohio’s economy,” stated Clyde Industrial’s owner, Phillip
Porter. Clyde Industrial, a company based in Avon, Ohio has been
servicing the wind industry for over 9 years.
On the state level, Environment Ohio urged Ohio’s leaders to
continue to pass pro-active renewable energy policies, as well as finalize the
rules and regulations from the previously passed energy policy. Their policy recommendations were well
received by state leaders from both political parties.
“We must remain committed to meeting the renewable energy
benchmarks included in Senate Bill 221 so that Ohio may position itself as a
global leader in green energy technology,” stated Senator Husted (R-Kettering).
“Renewable energy presents Ohio with a unique opportunity to grow our economy
by using our state’s existing strengths and resources to build our green energy
industries, and I look forward to continuing our work in this area.”
“We can reduce pollution, become more energy independent,
and grow our economy by passing policies that will drive the renewable energy
industry in Ohio,” stated Representative Foley (D-Cleveland). “This year I want
to put Ohioans back to work installing solar panels all over Ohio. That is why
I am working on a bill that would require solar energy panels on public schools
across the state.”
Last year, Representative Blessing worked on a bill that
requires all new schools to be built “solar-ready.” He and Representative Foley
are working together to take this concept to the next level.
“We have an opportunity - at this time and in
this place - to change the world by taking advantage of our homegrown renewable
energy resources,” stated state Representative Louis Blessing (R-Cincinnati).
“This year, I will continue to work on policies to encourage solar energy
development on schools throughout Ohio. Our schools can have a dual
purpose of educating future generations about cleaner energy resources, and
producing energy for their own school and the community,” concluded Blessing.
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