Columbus, OH — State Representatives Juanita Brent (District 12-Cleveland) and Casey Weinstein (District 37-Hudson) delivered sponsor testimony today in the House Public Utilities Committee on House Bill 429, the Energy Jobs and Justice Act. You can watch a recording of the remarks on the Ohio Channel or view sponsor testimony here.
The Energy Jobs and Justice Act (EJJA) is an intentionally designed, comprehensive clean energy policy rooted in equity, economic development, and accountability. It calls for clean energy growth, energy waste reduction, and curbing utility influence over policymaking and regulatory actions. The legislation will launch Ohio’s largest economic development initiative in recent history, prioritizing investments in clean energy jobs and environmental justice programs across the state. Importantly, EJJA ensures those most historically and disproportionately harmed by Ohio’s regressive energy policies benefit most from this clean energy transition.
Organizations issued the following statements in response to today’s sponsor testimony:
SeMia Bray, Executive Director of the Black Environmental Leaders Action Fund (BEL-AF):
“The Energy Jobs and Justice Act represents an opportunity to demonstrate equity in action for both environmental justice and just transition communities. We recognize Rep. Brent and Rep. Weinstein for their leadership in moving the comprehensive clean energy legislation, as it relates to jobs, equity and accountability, for the benefit of all Ohioans.”
Nolan Rutschilling, Managing Director of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund:
“Ohioans have experienced decades of inequitable energy policy largely favoring utilities and fossil fuel industries that contribute heavily to our region's emissions, at the expense of our health and our pocketbooks. We appreciate Rep. Brent and Rep. Weinstein’s leadership in advancing the Energy Jobs and Justice Act. As they demonstrated in their sponsor testimony today, this comprehensive clean energy policy—rooted in equity, economic development, and accountability—will deliver the healthier environment Ohioans deserve.”
Tonyisha Harris, Associate Director of Communications and Partnerships for Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE):
“All communities deserve equitable access to clean, renewable energy. We applaud Rep. Brent and Rep. Weinstein's actions on tackling the climate crisis, pollution and environmental racism by taking lead on the Energy Jobs and Justice Act. We look forward to seeing this comprehensive piece of legislation that will protect Ohioans and the environment be passed into law. ”
Tom Bullock, Executive Director of Citizens Utility Board of Ohio:
“We are pleased to see innovative legislation such as the Energy Jobs and Justice Act moving through the Ohio legislature. It is time for a new approach to energy in our state that will expand opportunity and improve environmental justice. We look forward to being a consumer voice in this process.”
Tracy Sabetta, Ohio Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force:
“We are long overdue in moving Ohio toward a comprehensive clean energy policy rooted in equity and accountability. By building a strategy around solutions that are good for our communities and our health, we will ensure that our state emerges with an energy policy designed for all Ohioans. Moms Clean Air Force applauds Reps. Weinstein and Brent for their dedication to Ohio’s families, and we are proud supporters of the Energy Jobs & Justice Act.”
Rachael Belz, CEO of Ohio Citizen Action:
"It's long past time for a comprehensive energy policy that fairly balances jobs and the economy with our health and the environment. Ohio Citizen Action appreciates the leadership of Reps. Weinstein and Brent for cleaner, more equitable communities for all Ohio families, and we are proud to be vocal supporters of the Energy Jobs & Justice Act.”
Tristan Rader, Ohio Program Director for Solar United Neighbors:
“This legislation is about allowing all Ohioans the opportunity to benefit from renewable energy. Solar energy is more affordable and accessible now than ever. We just need state policies that cut the red tape and allow the renewable energy market to grow. Ohioans deserve more high-paying jobs and a resilient and affordable energy system that benefits everyone; the Energy Jobs & Justice Act delivers.”
You can learn more about EJJA by visiting: https://www.energyjobsandjustice.org/.
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The Black Environmental Leaders Action Fund (BEL-AF) is a non-partisan equitable policy and advocacy initiative formed to build the political power of Ohio’s environmental justice movement through strategic issues and electoral campaigns. Founded in 2021, BEL-AF partners with communities, local government entities, foundations, multiple sectors, and public health agencies to bring research, practice, strategy, and analysis to the pressing energy, health and climate equity concerns of the day.
The Ohio Environmental Council 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.