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Ohio Local Officials and Business Leaders Tout Clean Energy Investments at Climate Leadership Conference

The conference, featuring local and national leaders, focused on the transition to a clean energy economy, combating climate change, and centering environmental justice.
May 24, 2024

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Cleveland, OH – This week, Cleveland hosted the 13th annual Climate Leadership Conference and Awards, presented by The Climate Registry, from May 21st through May 23rd. The program featured climate leaders speaking about the impacts of climate change and a clean energy transition in Ohio and nationwide. 

“New clean energy projects, including solar and vehicle parts manufacturing, have grown immensely over the past two years,” said Bob Keefe, Executive Director for E2. “Ohio’s growth demonstrates that clean energy jobs are not just good for the environment, they are good for the economy, and I’m grateful to The Climate Registry for providing a platform to highlight this progress.” 

“Ohio’s strong clean energy economy has grown thanks to the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act  (IRA) in 2022,” said Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE). “The IRA has spurred $8 billion in investment and helped create more than 8,000 good-paying clean energy jobs. These are reliable, high-quality jobs, many of which do not require four-year degrees. This means increased job access for workers across Ohio and a healthier, safer environment for Ohio families.” 

“Republicans in Congress, led by Mitch McConnell, and supported by members of Ohio’s federal delegation including Senator J.D. Vance and Representative Jim Jordan, want to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act,” said MJ Wong Engel, Clean Energy Economy Manager at Climate Power. “Getting rid of the Inflation Reduction Act would strip thousands of jobs, as well as cost-savings and health protections away from Ohioans, and communities across the country. Champions for clean energy businesses urge Congress to protect and strengthen the Inflation Reduction Act for the benefit of our industry, our economy, and our workers and families.” 

Local speakers at the conference included: 

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