COLUMBUS, OH — Columbus voters have defeated Issue 7, a city-wide ballot initiative purporting to support clean energy programs but in reality would have short-circuited the city’s ability to fight climate change. The ballot proposal would have taken $87 million from the city budget to create undefined “clean energy” programs, with the funds being administered by unknown entities. The result, if it would have passed, would be cuts to crucial city services like parks and recreation and public health.
The following statement can be attributed in full or in part to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the OEC Action Fund:
“Columbus Issue 7 may have looked beneficial to Columbus’s environment and its residents, but in reality it would have undermined the city’s ability to combat the climate crisis. Columbus residents stated their desire last November in the passage of a 100% clean energy community choice aggregation plan. Thankfully, these same caring voters saw through the false promises of those backing Issue 7 and defeated it at the ballot box.
“The OEC Action Fund continues to stand and work alongside partners here in Columbus— fellow environmental groups, labor, business, civic and community leaders—to create the win-win-win of new clean energy projects, good-paying local jobs, and cleaner air. Defeating Issue 7 is a true victory for community solidarity and meaningful climate action.”
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The OEC Action Fund, a 501c4 organization, seeks to protect and enhance the environment, economic viability, and health of all Ohio communities by expanding access to public lands, advancing critical environmental priorities, holding policy makers accountable, and electing environmental champions.
For press inquiries, please contact ebacha<at>theoec.org
