Re-Energize Ohio

[irishbobcat]

Investing to Re-Energize Ohio

April 11, 2008

According to a report from the groups Policy Matters Ohio and the Apollo Alliance,

Ohio uses a large amount of energy, most of it from fuel produced elsewhere. We rank fourth among states for industrial energy use and sixth for total energy consumption. We import two-thirds of our coal, 89 percent of our natural gas, and 98 percent of our oil and petroleum products. At current energy prices, Ohioans send $20 billion a year out of our state economy. To make our economy more energy independent—by becoming more efficient, self-sustaining, and renewable—Ohio should expand its clean energy fund. Instead of sending so much of Ohio's money out of the state and out of the country, we should create more of our own energy, use more renewable energy sources, become more energy efficient, and employ Ohio workers in the process.
 
Eighteen states use clean energy funds to encourage consumers and suppliers to invest in clean energy products and services: by reducing equipment costs through use of consumer rebates, grants, and low-interest loans; by conducting statewide public-awareness campaigns; by providing incentives for industrial recruitment, retention, and production; and, by training workers for the green economy. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) reported that for every public dollar spent, public benefits funds for clean energy leverage an additional $3 in related business and consumer investment.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AN EXPANDED ADVANCED ENERGY FUND
• Implement a statewide outreach campaign to educate the public on energy efficiency and renewable energy (both consumers and suppliers). Use Advanced Energy Funds to offer free energy audits to Ohioans.
• Market consumer incentives such as simple customer rebates for green products.
• Collect Advanced Energy Funds from all utility customers, not just investor-owned.
• Provide low-income residents with solar thermal water-heating systems.
• Provide more financial incentives for suppliers and potential suppliers of green energy products and service to expand Ohio's green supply chain.
• Promote economic development by providing "green incentives" with Advanced Energy Funds. Instead of offering dollars to lure companies, offer wind turbines or rooftop solar panels to reduce their energy costs and consumption.
• Create a Green Jobs Corps program that provides green employment services and also weaves together vocational skills training programs, union apprenticeship programs, and recognized pre-apprenticeship programs for job seekers.

Instead of sending so much of Ohio's money out of the state and out of the country, we should create more of our own energy, use more renewable energy sources, become more energy efficient, and employ Ohio workers in the process.

Ohio's economy is struggling due to rising energy costs. We are sending billions of dollars out of state and out of the country each year to support our energy use. Ohio should diversify its energy portfolio, reduce our energy use, create renewable energy here in Ohio, and put Ohioans to work in the process. If we reduced the amount we spend on imported energy, more money could be kept local, supporting Ohio's economy. To stimulate the green economy, and get it off the ground, we should expand Ohio's Advanced Energy Fund and use it to provide incentives to both suppliers and consumers of green energy products and services, educate Ohioans on their green energy options, and train Ohio's future "greenforce."

As the Independent Green Party Candidate for State Representative for the 60th District, I will support the recommendations for an expanded advanced energy fund. Since I will not accept lobbyists or PACS contributions who represent out of state energy resources such as coal, oil and gas companies, I will not allow big money to influence my votes in Columbus like the current Democrats and Republicans have.

Dennis Spisak-Independent Green Party Candidate for State Representative-60th District

Campaign site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Please check out our links page to health care and progressive works programs.