Clean energy is still growing in Ohio, but due to the state freezing its clean energy and energy efficiency law in 2014, there have been many opportunities to lost.

However, before the freeze and even during it, some progress has been made. Ohio’s energy standards nurtured the state’s robust advanced energy economy, which supported more than 31,000 full- and part-time workers in Ohio’s alternative energy economy in 2012—12,000 of those jobs in energy efficiency alone. In addition, there are at least 62 manufacturing facilities in Ohio producing components for the wind industry and providing high-quality jobs to the state, and it is ranked 26th in the nation in terms of wind energy generated.

“Cleaner energy and energy efficiency can be opportunities to grow quality jobs.From the manufacturing of renewable energy component parts and power plants themselves, to construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of these cleaner energy systems, our state stands to gain from smart policies and strategic investments that build a clean energy economy right here in Ohio.”

– Teresa Hartley, United Steelworkers District 1 Women of Steel Coordinator.

We need a thoughtful approach to expanding clean energy, improving energy efficiency, and making traditional energy generation more efficient. Ohio’s energy transition has not come without pain to workers and communities. But we can take the lessons learned in other states and regions and apply them to communities and workers impacted by this transition to ensure they are not left behind.

kThe state should undertake proactive policies and investments to protect workers and aid communities impacted by America’s energy transition. These state efforts—coupled with the federal Power+ Initiative and other smart policies and investments by Congress—will help ensure the growth of Ohio’s economy while addressing climate change.