Mayor Mims Joined Ohio Clean Energy Workers and Experts to Discuss How Repealing Clean Energy Investments Will Mean Lost Jobs and Higher Costs

Dayton, OH – On Friday, March 21st, Ohio leaders joined Climate Power for a press call to discuss how repealing America’s clean energy investments would raise energy prices and threaten hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs. The fate of these investments are being decided in the next few weeks as the House Ways and Means Committee drafts the new budget bill. While some are advocating to put clean energy investments on the chopping block, these investments have strong bipartisan support including Republican Governors and 21 House Republicans who have spoken up for preserving clean energy investments.

Watch the event recording here. 

Since new clean energy investments were signed into law in 2022, Ohio’s clean energy projects have already spurred $10.48 billion in investment and helped create or move forward 14,304 good-paying clean energy jobs, jobs that could disappear if the House Ways and Means Committee cuts clean energy tax credits. 

“Clean energy is a win for our environment and our economy,” said Dayton Mayor Mims Jr. “Clean energy creates jobs, generates investment in our community, and lowers energy prices. Over the past several years, we’ve seen the impact of clean energy investments here in Ohio. There’s a reason why clean energy jobs and investment have such strong bipartisan support.”

“Average U.S. household power prices rose 22% from 2018 to 2023, and they could rise another 7% this year, often due to volatile fossil fuel prices. Americans are swamped by higher prices across the board and can’t afford to pay more for energy.” said Robbie Orvis, Senior Director of Modeling and Analysis at Energy Innovation. “Cheaper, cleaner energy is will keep growing fast thanks to federal tax credits and funding programs. It’s becoming cheaper every day, helping Ohioans fight inflation by cutting their energy costs.”

“Before I got in the clean energy industry, I was on public assistance and in a vicious cycle I thought I would never get out of,” said Felicia Allen, Green Workers Alliance Member. “Now that I’m working in renewable energy, I’m completely self-sufficient and taking care of my family. Without the Inflation Reduction Act, none of this would have been possible. The idea of losing the clean energy tax credits scares me because this is my career and this is what I like to do. We should be supporting and creating more American jobs, not taking them away.”

“Our state has a long and impressive history of organized labor. I’m proud to be part of this tradition, and even prouder to be a member of a union in a sector that’s helping revitalize our state’s economy,” said Pat Hook, Business Manager, IBEW Local 683. “I’m asking our elected representatives at the federal level to prioritize the needs of Ohioans. Any rollback of this IRA legislation or tax incentives will be very bad for business development in Ohio and bad for Ohio workers.”

“Clean energy investments are revitalizing rural communities and urban centers alike. They are creating opportunities for union workers, small businesses, and rural communities,” said Franklin Davis, Director of Climate and Democratic Organizing, Ohio Environmental Council. “Let’s protect these investments that are creating jobs, lowering costs, and building a healthier environment for generations to come.”

###