THE OEC ACTION FUND ENDORSES COLUMBUS BOND PACKAGE

COLUMBUS, OHIO -- Today, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund (OEC Action Fund), announced their endorsement of the City of Columbus Bond Package, Issues 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

Columbus voters will have the opportunity to authorize the city to seek $1 billion in capital improvements through multiple bond packages with Issues 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, without raising taxes. A substantial portion of this package will include drinking water and public park investments needed as the region is expected to grow by an additional million people over the next few decades.

This endorsement is aimed at building the political power of the environmental movement through strategic issue and electoral campaigns.

THE OEC ACTION FUND ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS IN LORAIN COUNTY

LORAIN, OHIO -- The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund (OEC Action Fund), announced today their endorsement of Max Schaefer for Lorain City Council At-Large, and the Lorain Port Authority renewal levy.

Important environmental work happens at the local level. The election of Max Schaefer to city council and the continued work of the Lorain Port Authority will both lead to healthier air, land, and water for the region.

This endorsement is aimed at building the political power of the environmental movement through strategic issue and electoral campaigns.

Statement From the Ohio Environmental Council on the Nuclear Bailout Tax Proposal

Columbus, OH -- Today, Reps. Callendar and Wilken announced the impending introduction of a taxpayer-funded bailout of the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants, and an effective repeal of Ohio’s Renewable Portfolio and Energy Efficiency Standards. As proposed, the bill would require Ohio taxpayers to pay a new surcharge on their electric bills that would largely go to bailout Ohio’s two aging nuclear plants, both owned by FirstEnergy Solutions, despite the existence of cleaner, cheaper energy sources.

The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Trish Demeter, Vice President of Energy Policy with the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“The bill announced today is nothing more than another bailout tax for failing nuclear plants paid for on the backs of hardworking Ohioans. Adding insult to injury, the proposed bill would dismantle one of the only state policies that reliably deliver electric bill savings to customers, decrease air pollution, and create new jobs in Ohio. 

“The OEC Action Fund rejects the notion that this bill is for the benefit of cleaner air. The bailout tax will not create any new jobs, and is just another short-term fix to a long-term problem. 

“Ohioans deserve legislators who work to create a sustainable future for their families, instead of ignoring the opportunity to protect our children and grandchildren. Wind and solar are the most viable and least risky clean energy sources today and in the future, yet Ohio legislators want to invest in the technologies of yesterday. We need legislation that builds upon the growth of the clean energy industry, adding to over 112,000 clean energy jobs already in our state. Clean energy is good for Ohioans’ health and it’s good for our economic future.”

THE OEC ACTION FUND RELEASES SCORECARD FOR 132nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Columbus, Ohio -- Today, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund released it’s Scorecard for the 132nd General Assembly highlighting the work done by the Kasich Administration and the previous Ohio General Assembly.

We know that smart policies are only useful when our elected leaders have the courage to act. The OEC Action Fund ensures lawmakers feel supported when they act in the interest of Ohio’s environment, but also holds them accountable to the public on their environmental record.

We’ve had some tough losses and some great wins for the environment over the last few years, but elected leaders have lots of opportunities for progress to protect Ohio’s air, land, and water for future generations. Both the ongoing acquisition of the AEP ReCreation Lands, and the DeWine Administration’s commitment to revitalizing Lake Erie are bright spots, and the OEC Action Fund looks forward to working with the administration and General Assembly to get the job done.

READ THE OEC ACTION FUND’S SCORECARD

The narratives and scores included reflect the past administration and lawmakers’ actions on key environmental decisions and legislation during the 132nd General Assembly. You’ll get to know some of Ohio’s best environmental protectors and worst polluters. We’ve given each chamber, key lawmakers, and the administration a GPA — Green Protector Average — that takes into account their policy stances on our four key focus areas. For the rest of the General Assembly members, you’ll see how each member voted on our scored legislation. Most importantly, you’ll see the environmental policy picture as a whole for the state of Ohio.

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Reaction from the OEC Action Fund on President Trump’s Visit to Ohio

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to David Miller, Director of Communications for the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“Through his recent actions, it’s clear President Trump doesn’t support working families in Ohio. As Trump visits the Buckeye State, Ohioans are grappling with both the closure of the Lordstown GM plant, and the President’s proposed budget, which cuts the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative by 90 percent.

“Trump has continually refused to put the interests of everyday Ohioans over those of his donors and corporate polluter friends.

“With stops in Lima and Canton, it’s a shame the President won’t visit Lake Erie or Lordstown, which is just a stone’s throw from his fundraiser in Canton, where he’ll meet with donors while workers in Ohio suffer without jobs he promised to protect.

“Trump’s Canton fundraiser dinner will cost $50,000 per person to attend, just $3,523 less than the average household income in Lordstown at $53,523, a number set to drop due to Trump’s broken promises.”

REACTION FROM THE OEC ACTION FUND ON GOVERNOR DEWINE’S BUDGET PROPOSAL

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Peter Bucher, Water Resources Director at the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“Governor DeWine’s budget proposal includes significant new or increased investments to improve Ohio parks, water quality, and agricultural conservation. Ohio’s natural resources improve the quality of life for millions of Ohioans and bring in billions of dollars in economic benefit. Although these budget proposals are drastic improvements more funding will be needed to truly protect these economic and recreation benefits.

“The significant investments in conservation can play a crucial role in reducing phosphorus in Ohio waterways and harmful algae. Projects funded by H2Ohio and the Soil and Water Phosphorus Program will need to be accountable to achieving water quality improvements.

“The $38 million increase for parks and the increase in nature preserve funding will help protect public lands for the benefit of all Ohioans.

“We look forward to working the administration and the General Assembly to ensure that we get Ohio’s environmental priorities on track to expand access to public lands, improve air and water quality.”

REACTION FROM THE OEC ACTION FUND ON GOV. DEWINE’S H2OHIO INITIATIVE

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“Lake Erie is not only a source of water for millions of people, but it provides more than $14 billion in economic benefits for Ohio. It’s future couldn’t be more important.  

“The H2Ohio Initiative is a prime example of the bold thinking needed to set Lake Erie back on track. I commend Governor DeWine for this proposal, and encourage folks from both sides of the aisle to work together on solutions that will result in a healthier Lake Erie and safer drinking water for families.

“We look forward to working with the administration on these efforts, and hope to provide a healthy lake for generations of Ohioans to come.”

THE OEC ACTION FUND REACTS TO THE BUDGET PRIORITIES FROM OHIO HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Peter Bucher, Water Resources Director for the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“The list of legislative priorities put forward by Leader Emilia Sykes and the rest of the Ohio House Democrats include a long list of items that will improve Ohioans’ access to clean air, land, water, and democracy. 

“Addressing issues such as the wind setbacks, water quality improvements, funding for local communities impacted by oil and gas development, and automatic voter registration, this list of priorities provides common-sense solutions to issues facing our state. I’m very hopeful that Democrats and Republicans can work together on these bipartisan issues to make Ohio a better place to live, work, and play.”

Statement from the OEC Action Fund on VP Pence Visit to Columbus

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed to Trish Demeter, Vice President of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“Vice President Pence’s visit to Columbus in order to speak to the Ohio Oil and Gas Association was a missed opportunity to highlight the great progress to be made in capturing methane to better protect our children.

“In discussing innovation in the oil and gas sector, the Vice President should work with his industry partners to push for continued protections against unnecessary methane releases, in order to save money, and protect the air we all breathe.”

THE OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL ACTION FUND REACTS TO GOVERNOR DEWINE’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“We appreciate Governor DeWine’s focus on ensuring protections for Ohio’s natural resources during his first State of the State Address.

“Its very promising that Governor DeWine plans to make cleaning up our waterways a priority of his administration. The forthcoming H2-Ohio Fund is a real opportunity to address our water concerns. I look forward to further details on this program in the state budget. Ensuring every Ohioan has access to clean and safe drinking water will take significant funding, and a commitment that programs are also accountable to achieving results. To truly keep harmful algae out of Lake Erie, we need a long-term conservation program for the entire western basin watershed.

“However, in addressing our energy concerns, we need to be sure that we focus on moving to carbon-free sources of energy, so that our air and environment can be as clean as possible, and we keep up in the rapidly evolving clean energy economy.

“We look forward to working with the DeWine Administration to work to protect our air, land, and water for our children and grandchildren.”

The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund Announces Delegation Scores from LCV’s 2018 National Environmental Scorecard

Columbus, OH -- The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund today released the Ohio delegation’s scores on the League of Conservation Voters’ 2018 National Environmental Scorecard. The Scorecard is the LCV’s primary yardstick for evaluating the environmental records of every member of Congress, and is available online at scorecard.lcv.org.

“As the Trump administration continued its work to roll back environmental protections, we saw a few members of the Ohio delegation fall in lockstep with the bad choices to put our air, land, and water at risk,” said Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund President Heather Taylor-Miesle. “As we move into the 2020 census year, it is critical that every person is counted and that Ohio’s congressional districts are drawn in a way that represents the vast majority of Ohioans who demand action on climate change.”

The 2018 Scorecard measures votes cast during the second session of the 115th Congress. The full delegation’s scores for 2018 are:

Senator Brown - 100
Senator Portman - 7
Representative Chabot - 3
Representative Wenstrup - 0
Representative Beatty - 83
Representative Jordan - 3
Representative Latta - 0
Representative Johnson - 0
Representative Gibbs - 0
Representative Davidson - 0
Representative Kaptur - 94
Representative Turner - 14
Representative Fudge - 89
Representative Balderson - 0
Representative Ryan - 94
Representative Joyce - 14
Representative Stivers - 11
Representative Renacci - 3

“After eight years of the most anti-environmental U.S. House  ever and two years of relentless attacks on the environment from the Trump administration, the tectonic shift to a pro-environment majority in the people’s House comes not a moment too soon. We could not be more excited to work with the new pro-environment House majority to protect our air, water, lands, and wildlife, combat the climate crisis, and hold the Trump administration accountable,” saidLCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld.

The 2018 Scorecard includes 35 House votes that span the chamber’s assaults on clean air and water, lands and wildlife protections, investments in clean energy and so much more. In the Senate, the majority of the 14 votes scored are confirmation votes on Trump’s anti-environmental nominees.

LCV has published a National Environmental Scorecard every Congress since 1970. The Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from about 20 respected environmental and conservation organizations who selected the key votes on which members of Congress should be scored. LCV scores votes on the most important issues of the year, including energy, climate change, public health, public lands and wildlife conservation, and spending for environmental programs. The votes included in the Scorecard presented members of Congress with a real choice and help distinguish which legislators are working for environmental protection. More information on individual votes and the Scorecard archive can be found at scorecard.lcv.org.

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The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund Reacts to Sam Randazzo’s Nomination to the PUCO

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“Today, Gov. DeWine announced that he will nominate energy lobbyist Sam Randazzo to serve on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. We are disappointed in this choice, as Mr. Randazzo has a lengthy career fighting against renewable energy and energy efficiency in Ohio.

“This move is out-of-step with the rest of the Midwest, where governors are committing to the future of energy, instead of the past.

“We sincerely hope we are wrong, and Mr. Randazzo will start fresh and help put Ohio on the road towards a diverse energy sector with ample room for clean, renewable energy, so our economy and the health of our people is top priority.”

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THE OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL ACTION FUND REACTS TO PUCO CHAIRMAN ASIM HAQUE’S RESIGNATION

Columbus, Ohio -- Today, PUCO Chairman Asim Haque announced his resignation, effective March 1, 2019. The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Trish Demeter, Vice President of Energy Policy at the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“I’d like to thank Chairman Haque for his service, and much-needed leadership on the issue of modernizing the grid in Ohio, and wish him all the best as he transitions to a new role.

“As Governor DeWine considers an appointment for the next PUCO Chair, I urge him to choose a pragmatic leader who will continue Chairman Haque's commitment to customers being better enabled to innovate at their homes and businesses, steering utilities to make investments that will yield greater grid efficiencies overall, and to ready our electric grid for unstoppable clean energy trends.

“Ohio consumers need an unbiased, forward-thinking leader at the helm of the PUCO, who will recognize the benefits of moving our state toward a clean energy future. As our neighboring states experience the positive impacts of a booming clean energy economy, Ohioans deserve those same benefits. We look forward to engaging with a PUCO Chair who is open-minded, forward-thinking and objective as they take on the huge responsibility of regulating Ohio’s electric sector.”  

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THE OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL ACTION FUND REACTS TO THE PUCO NOMINATING PROCESS

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“In selecting a new commissioner for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), we hope to see someone who understands that if we want Ohio to keep up in the global energy market, we must get a stronger footing in the growing clean energy economy, which forges ahead every day.

“This list contains one candidate - Sam Randazzo - who carries strong biases, and very close ties to the utility industry. Randazzo has worked aggressively over many years to dismantle Ohio’s renewable and efficiency standards both in the state legislature and the PUCO, blocked new wind farms from being built in Ohio, and opposed job-creating solar projects throughout the state. Given his prejudices against clean and cost-effective resources, we oppose his nomination. We urge the DeWine Administration to choose a forward-looking candidate that will be capable of honoring the Governor’s ‘all of the above’ energy strategy.”

THE OEC ACTION FUND REACTS TO DEWINE CABINET SELECTIONS FOR EPA AND AGRICULTURE

Columbus, Ohio -- Following this morning’s announcement of Laurie Stevenson as the Director of the Ohio EPA, and Dorothy Pelanda as Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the following statement can be attributed to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“With a twenty-year career working for the Ohio EPA under different administrations to advance environmental protections, Laurie Stevenson provides a wealth of experience to bring to the cause of her agency. We look forward to working with Director Stevenson, and hope that she will bring her thoughtful, science-based approach to this new role so we can work to protect our health, environment, and economy, together.

“As the next Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Dorothy Pelanda will be tasked with working with farmers across Ohio to ensure our state is fed, while protecting our natural resources. We look forward to working closely with Director Pelanda as we strive to ensure Lake Erie and other Ohio waterways are clean and healthy for the future.”

THE OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL ACTION FUND AND INNOVATION OHIO LAUNCH DIGITAL ADS AGAINST HJR 19

Columbus, Ohio -- Today, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund and Innovation Ohio launched a round of digital ads highlighting opposition to HJR 19. As partners in the Coalition for Redistricting Reform, which worked to pass a fix to our gerrymandered congressional districts in Ohio, our organizations are keenly aware of the importance of the ballot initiative process.

In its current form, HJR 19 would set a higher threshold for the process to amend Ohio’s Constitution through a citizen referendum by making signatures due by April of an election year instead of July, make petition signatures only valid for 180 days, and require a 60 percent threshold to pass. 

“This measure is a misguided attempt to curtail the voice of the people to amend their state’s constitution,” said Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the OEC Action Fund. “We are committed to fighting for the health of Ohio’s air, land, and water, and this bill would put an undue burden on regular Ohioans’ ability to stand up and fight for their future.” 

“Through ballot initiatives, Ohioans can make their voices heard on the issue that matter most to them,” said Janetta King, President/CEO of Innovation Ohio. “HJR19 stifles Ohioans' ability to engage directly in their democracy, and we need to fight for that right.”

The digital ads will run through Sunday, December 16th, calling for a strategically targeted list of Ohio legislators to vote against the measure.

Statement From the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund on the JCARR Vote to Revise and Refile the Watershed in Distress Rules

Columbus, Ohio -- Today, the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) voted to direct the Ohio Department of Agriculture to revise and refile newly proposed rules that would help curb the pollution responsible for toxic algae in Lake Erie. The proposed rules are backed by Governor Kasich and would require most agricultural producers that operate in a watershed designated as distressed to create a plan to reduce runoff pollution. The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Peter Bucher, Water Resources Director at the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“Today’s action represents a missed opportunity to establish clear rules that would help prevent excess nutrients from entering Ohio waterways in order to reduce toxic algae. The proposed rules were aimed at balancing agricultural concerns with the need to protect Lake Erie and the communities that depend on it for drinking water, job opportunities, and recreation. Every delay in implementing needed changes to reduce toxic algae makes the problem more expensive to fix in Lake Erie and across Ohio.”

The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund Celebrates Sherrod Brown’s Return to the Senate

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the OEC Action Fund:

“All Ohioans should tonight celebrate Sen. Sherrod Brown’s re-election to the U.S. Senate. As an environmental champion who has demonstrated tremendous support for Ohio’s air, land and water, we are eager to send him back to Washington to represent us. We endorsed Sen. Brown and had his back because he’s always had our environment’s back.  

"With our national friends at League of Conservation Voters, NRDC Action Fund and Next Gen Action, we raised almost $318,000 for the Brown campaign.

“A truly iconic Ohioan, Sen. Brown has spent his career working tirelessly on our behalf, and I know he will continue to do so over the next six years.”

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The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund Reacts to Mike DeWine’s Election as Ohio Governor

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:

“We applaud Mike DeWine on his victory in today’s gubernatorial election. The OEC Action Fund has a history of working effectively with elected officials in both parties, and that will continue. This cycle, we’ve endorsed both Democrats and Republicans, and our pragmatic, diligent approach to fight for Ohio’s environment will continue. 

“When it comes to our environment, Ohio is at a crossroads, and we need real leadership to ensure that we move forward to address serious issues like toxic algae on Lake Erie, and ensuring that Ohio competes in the clean energy economy. We will focus on making progress at all levels of government, including opportunities with Columbus and Cincinnati, who recently won Bloomberg's American Cities Climate Challenge. 

“The OEC Action Fund will be there every step of the way to fight for cleaner air, land, and water in Ohio.”

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Statement from the OEC Action Fund on Last Night's Ohio Senate Debate

Columbus, Ohio -- The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:  

“Last night, Senator Sherrod Brown displayed the qualities of a true leader and someone who will act on climate change. In response to concerns about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, Brown backed up the science and made it clear that we can’t afford to waste any more time. We must transition away from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy to ensure a healthy future for our planet.

The OEC Action Fund is proud to endorse a candidate who stands up for common sense environmental policies that protect Ohioans and our air, water, and land. Brown has been an avid environmental champion and deserves Ohio’s vote.”