Civic, labor, and environmental leaders call for action in Ohio to meet the Clean Power Plan

COLUMBUS, Ohio (January 28, 2015) Prominent civic, labor and community women leaders today spoke out in favor of Gov. Kasich taking action to implement a state blueprint to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan that will create and sustain quality jobs, improve the air quality in the state to protect public health, and create economic opportunity for all Ohioans. The EPA’s Clean Power Plan (CPP) puts the first-ever limits on carbon pollution from existing sources, like power plants. The CPP gives states flexibility and the opportunity to draw up their own blueprints—called State Implementation Plans—to meet the carbon pollution reduction target.

“It is time to reinstate Ohio’s strong renewable energy and energy efficiency standards and reduce harmful power plant emissions through implementation of the Clean Power Plan,” said State Representative Nickie Antonio. “We simply cannot afford any more delays in protecting our economy, our environment, and our health—especially the health of our children.”

Meeting the CPP will also benefit public health. The EPA estimates climate and health benefits worth an estimated $55 billion to $93 billion in 2030, including avoiding 2,700 to 6,600 premature deaths and 140,000 to 150,000 asthma attacks in children.

Those benefits are why Columbus-area mother Michelle Timmons, whose son has asthma, strongly supports acting now to create a state plan.

“As parents, we always want what is best for the future of our children,” said Michele Timmons, a Reynoldsburg mother with an asthmatic son. “By implementing the Clean Power Plan and restoring Ohio’s clean energy standards, our state’s leaders have the opportunity to stand up for the health of our kids. It is the right thing to do, and it will make this mother proud to be an Ohioan.”

The event, which took place at the Ohio Statehouse in the Ladies’ Gallery, also focused on the need for lawmakers and Gov. Kasich to “unfreeze” the state’s clean energy and energy efficiency laws. The laws were put on hold by the legislature and Kasich in 2014.

“Cleaner energy and energy efficiency can be opportunities to grow quality jobs,” said Teresa Hartley, United Steelworkers District 1 Women of Steel Coordinator. “From the manufacturing of renewable energy component parts and power plants themselves, to construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of these cleaner energy systems, our state stands to gain from smart policies and strategic investments that build a clean energy economy right here in Ohio.”

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