(COLUMBUS, OH)—Today, Mayor Doug Franklin of Warren announced that the city will join Power A Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), 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. The mayor plans to sign the pledge and work with city leadership to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.
“We applaud Mayor Franklin and the commitment of the entire community for their leadership in protecting our environment and building a sustainable economy for the next generation of Warren residents. Prioritizing clean energy supports economic growth and the health and well-being of Ohio’s communities,” said Joe Flarida, Executive Director of PCFO. “Warren is the 12th community to join this growing coalition of leading cities across Ohio and we are excited to support the community as they lead the way is building a clean energy future.”
“Our community is well-positioned to lead the state in innovation through new opportunities available here in Voltage Valley,” said Mayor Franklin. “I’m proud of the leadership our community has shown in recognizing that renewable energy and advanced transportation are critical for our growth. We look forward to working with Power a Clean Future Ohio and other local governments to create a clean energy economy in Ohio, an economy that I know Warren residents are ready to help build.”
“We support Warren joining this initiative as it brings more opportunities for our startup clients to pilot new energy technologies in our hometown,” said Sara Daugherty, Director of Partnerships at BRITE Energy Innovators, the only energy technology incubator in the state. “The coalition brings best practices for building efficiency, fleet electrification and can allow Warren to become a leader in equitable solutions and job creation.”
In 2019, 114,000 people were employed in clean energy jobs throughout the state, and Ohio auto manufacturers are planning major investments to build more electric vehicles in Ohio 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% renewable energy by a specific date.
Local communities like Warren are joining with these employers in making a commitment to spur the 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.
Utilizing clean energy sources also 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 ER visits in this age group. Developing innovative solutions to harmful air pollution will also serve to protect the health of all Warren residents.