The Ohio Chapter of the Sierra Club

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Welcome to the Ohio Chapter

Welcome to "The Heart of it All". The Sierra Club is the Nation's oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization, and the Ohio Chapter promotes the mission of the Club throughout the state of Ohio.

Latest News!

Broken Sewer System Sorely Needs a Fix, but Uncertainty Remains Over Columbus Plan

Posted July 23, 2008

The Sierra Club Central Ohio Group has advocated for years to fix Columbus' broken sewer system in order to protect public health and the environment. While we commend the city for their commitment to remedy major sewer problems, the organization will not give blanket approval of the Wet Weather Management Plan due to continued questions and concerns.

The Ohio EPA will accept public comment until August 25 on The City of Columbus Draft Wet Weather Management Plan Approval . The Sierra Club encourages public participation and will request a public hearing.

Click here for the July 23 press release. For information about ways we can address sewer overflows and pollution from stormwater runoff, click on our Green Infrastructure factsheet.

Ohio has Bright Ideas for Energy Efficiency -- We Need Your Help!

Posted July 9, 2008

Now that Substitute Senate Bill 221 has been signed into law with bi-partisan support, Ohio has some of the strongest energy efficiency standards in the country. Energy efficiency lowers electric bills, creates jobs, and protects against global warming. This summer, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is deciding how this standard will be implemented. Take action - encourage the PUCO to create a system that works for all Ohioans. Click here for the action alert.

Sierra Club Victory!

On May 1, Governor Ted Strickland signed Substitute Senate Bill 221 into law, a critical step that places Ohio on the map with one of the strongest energy efficiency standards in the country. Senate Bill 221 is legislation that outlines a strong energy efficiency and renewable energy standard for Ohio. This first step towards a clean energy future is a welcome victory for the environmental community and the citizens of Ohio. The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter played a key role in getting these standards put in place. Congrats to all who have helped along the way!

For more information, please click on the following:

Press release May 1, 2008: Clean Energy Victory for Ohioans! Energy Efficiency Standard Puts Ohio on the Map (PDF)

Substitute SB 221

Map of States with Energy Efficiency Resource Standards (PDF)

Questions? Contact Brandi Whetstone

Sierra Club Testimony on Energy Bill

Ned Ford, the Ohio Chapter's Energy Chair, testified to the House Public Utilities and Energy Committee on February 28th concerning House Bill 487. Click here to view his testimony.

Energy Efficiency: Ohio's Smart Energy Solution

Posted by Ellen Hawkey Carmichael on April 10, 2007

Now is the time for Ohio to invest in a smart energy future. The cleanest, cheapest and fastest way to
meet our electricity needs is by using less of it in the first place. By planning intelligently and using
existing technology, we can cut our electricity consumption. Improving efficiency lowers energy bills,
eliminates the need for new power plants, increases our energy security and keeps our environment clean.

The Ohio Chapter urges Governor Strickland to enact an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard that would
require electricity service providers to meet a portion of their electricity needs through energy efficiency
resource measures. Ten states have implemented such standards. Ohio should follow their lead.

For more information please view our: Energy Efficiency Factsheet or contact Brandi Whetstone.

Cool Cities

Posted by Ellen Hawkey Carmichael on January 2, 2008

Communities all over America are responding to the threat of global warming with smart energy solutions. Over 779 mayors, representing over 53 million Americans in 47 states have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, pledging to reduce global warming pollution in their cities to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. These 'Cool Cities' are working to meet this goal with practical and innovative energy solutions that reduce energy waste and pollution.

Looking for ideas to help your Cool Cities campaign? Check out the ideas in Cool Cash.

For more information about the Sierra Club's Cool Cities campaign please visit: http://www.sierraclub.org/community/columbus/ or contact Brandi Whetstone at brandi.whetstone@sierraclub.org.