CHAMBERS IN ACTION
Local chambers across the country are taking the lead in creating and convening clean energy conversations, best practices, events and advocating on local policy.
Ohio Local Chamber CEOs & Economic Development Directors Say Clean Energy Benefits Local Economies
Eleven local chamber CEOs and Economic Development Directors—representing more than 5,000 business and 11 cities and counties from Toledo to Van Wert—called on Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Senate and House leaders this week to reinstate Ohio’s clean energy standards.
Eleven local chamber CEOs and Economic Development Directors—representing more than 5,000 business and 11 cities and counties from Toledo to Van Wert—called on Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Senate and House leaders this week to reinstate Ohio’s clean energy standards.
In a letter delivered to the Statehouse, they wrote: “As chamber and economic development leaders, we have seen clean energy projects deliver significant economic benefits that are good for our businesses, schools, communities, and the economy of this great state.”
See Gongwer coverage here.
In calling for the reinstatement of clean energy standards, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce joins three of its largest member businesses– Owens Corning, Rudolph Libbe, and First Solar—which were among more than 70 Ohio businesses that over the past month called on the Governor and Senate and House leadership to do the same.
Among the other businesses that want good clean energy standards: Whirlpool Corporation, Owens Corning, United Technologies, Jones Lang LaSalle, Campbell Soup Company, Nestle, Gap Inc., Schneider Electric, United Technologies, Edison Solar, Starwood Energy Group, Replex Plastics, Everpower and many more— collectively employ more than 25,000 people in Ohio.
In 2014, Ohio was the first state in the nation to put a two-year-freeze on its clean energy standards. The standards are scheduled to revert back into place at the end of 2016 unless the legislature takes action to extend the freeze or modify the standards. Gov. Kasich has publicly declared that he would veto any attempt to extend the freeze. Many local chambers support the Governor on this.
“To enable Ohio to take full advantage of this fast-growing sector that has already delivered more than $1.4 billion worth of investments, 9,000 jobs, and $4.6 million in payments to landowners and local governments, we believe there is a need for a clear and consistent roadmap on this issue.”
Read the chamber letter here.
Read the statements from major Ohio employers here.
Read statement from 68 additional businesses here.