The Lucas County commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio and committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the county by 30 percent before 2030, compared to 2010.
At the September 28 meeting, the commissioners passed the resolution, making it the 21st community and the first county to join.
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.
Joe Flarida, executive director, said, “Power a Clean Future Ohio is proud to welcome Lucas County as its first county and 21st PCFO Community. In July, the City of Toledo became the 17th city to join PCFO so we are excited to expand our work regionally to ensure communities across Lucas County can take advantage of the clean energy future we are building in Ohio. Setting goals is a critical step to building a plan for the future and Lucas County has demonstrated its leadership by setting a goal by 2030 to reduce emissions by 30 percent below 2010 levels.”
“Power a Clean Future Ohio is offering critical support to the county as we chart a path forward that will protect our environment and grow our economy,” said Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak. “We’re eager to work with partners to ensure our sustainability plans lead the state and prioritize the health and well-being of our communities first and foremost.”
Brendan Kelley, Drive Electric Ohio director of Clean Fuels Ohio, said, “We applaud the county for their leadership and vision. By joining PCFO, Clean Fuels Ohio and other technical partners will be able to provide services to the county at no cost to them, such as an analysis to convert their fleet to electric vehicles, which will save them money while also cutting their emissions.”
Ms. Skeldon Wozniak added, “We look forward to working toward common and shared goals that our county supports, form partnerships, coordinate the collection of information and share resources and expertise. That has always been a key aspect of this work and joining PCFO puts our county in contact with experts and peers that can accelerate that work.”
In the resolution, the commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability as a top priority. The Going Beyond Green plan addresses issues of sustainability and how it can benefit the community and economy for current and future generations.
Utilizing clean energy sources 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 emergency room visits in this age group. Developing innovative solutions to harmful air pollution also will serve to protect the health of all Lucas County residents.
In 2020, 103,400 people were employed in clean energy jobs throughout the state, and Ohio auto manufacturers are planning major investments to build more electric vehicles 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 percent renewable energy by a specific date.
Lucas County joins employers in making a commitment to spur 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.
In other business, the commissioners tabled a resolution regarding the county’s commitment to helping Afghanistan refugees resettle in the area.
September 21 Meeting
At the September 21 meeting, the commissioners set a hearing date for 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 26 to consider the vacation of portions of Second Street in Jerusalem Township.
The trustees approved the vacation at their meeting earlier in the month.
The commissioners also:
•Contracted with Hank’s Plumbing and Heating of Toledo for the Heldman ditch drainage improvement project at a cost of $819,726.
•Renewed for one year an agreement with Global Tel-Link corporation to provide inmate telephone services at the county Corrections Center.
•Updated a contract with ORACLE America, adding four licenses for one year at a cost not to exceed $19,980. The county previously entered into a oneyear contract for 10 licenses at a cost of $52,470.
