Promoting Smart Energy Solutions

A time for action!
Now is the time for a bold shift to a safer, cleaner energy future built on clean power and energy-saving technology. The Sierra Club believes that we can save our planet while preserving our way of life, that instead of falling into despair, we should look to this challenge as an opportunity.

At present, the world’s climate scientists believe that carbon dioxide (CO2) levels above 450 ppm would result in severe climate impacts.  To keep below that level, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced substantially to stabilize the global climate.  Most importantly, CO2 from fossil fuels must be reduced 70% to 90% by the middle of this century.

To reach levels at which climate stabilization is more likely, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced at least 2% per year – well within reach as the U.S. economy shifts to a clean energy path.  Because the precise level for avoiding dangerous climate change cannot be determined in advance, the Sierra Club places primary emphasis on making substantial cuts in CO2 emissions as soon as possible.  There is no time to lose.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency means utilizing products or systems that require less energy but deliver the same end results.  Energy efficiency lowers energy bills, eliminates the need for new power plants, increases our energy security and keeps our environment clean. Not to mention, it’s the fastest and cheapest way to meet our energy needs.  

Energy efficiency is Ohio's frontline defense against rising energy prices, global warming and a weakening economy:

• Energy efficiency investment will create jobs for Ohio. The Apollo Alliance estimates that for every $1 million spent on energy efficiency, 21.5 jobs are created. Local jobs will be created in manufacturing, installation and construction sectors.   
• The cost of reducing energy use through energy efficiency investments is our cheapest option.  Energy efficiency investments average only 3 cents per kilowatt hour.  The cheapest power from a new power plant is more than 6 cents per kilowatt hour. 
• Ohio can reduce energy consumption by at least 2% per year with energy efficiency resource standards in place. 

States typically guarantee utility investments in energy efficiency by creating an energy efficiency standard.  An energy efficiency standard requires utilities to meet a percentage of load (measured in kW sales) through energy efficiency measures.  Fifteen states have energy efficiency, or similar, standards.

Click here for information about states with energy efficiency standards in place.

Take Action to promote energy efficiency in Ohio!

Write a letter to Governor Strickland and Alan Schriber, chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, to encourage an energy efficiency standard for Ohio.

Corn Ethanol: Click on the following link to view a letter sent to Governor Ted Strickland to raise concerns regarding the rapid development and permitting of ethanol plants in Ohio. PDF File: OH Chpt Ethanol Ltr 5_27_07