Ohio’s Solar Industry Driving Good Jobs and Rural Economic Development
This week, Governor DeWine and Lt. Gov. Husted issued a proclamation celebrating September 25-29, 2023 as Clean Energy Week in the state of Ohio. Over the past few years, over 7,000MWs of utility scale solar projects have been approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board. These critical infrastructure investments are helping to improve Ohio’s energy resilience by diversifying the state’s energy economy while creating thousands of good-paying jobs. A 2020 study by Ohio University found that the solar industry is poised to invest more than $18B into Ohio’s rural communities, leading to more than 54,000 construction jobs.
“The DeWine-Husted Administration has ACT Ohio’s full support and willingness to partner on Ohio’s efforts to enhance and catalyze financial opportunities for clean energy technologies,” said Matt Szollosi, Executive Director of ACT Ohio. “Our members support an all-of-the-above energy strategy for the state of Ohio, and are leading the state in training construction workers to build and maintain the infrastructure required to incorporate natural gas, nuclear, solar, hydropower, wind and alternative fuels infrastructure into Ohio’s energy portfolio.”
Ohio Building Trades unions issued statements thanking Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted for their recognition of this important sector of Ohio’s all-of-the-above energy economy:
“The members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), District 4 thank Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted for recognizing Clean Energy week in Ohio.” said Aaron Brown, Renewable Energy/Government Affairs Representative for IBEW District 4. “The IBEW has always supported reliable forms of power generation, including nuclear, natural gas, bioenergy, solar and wind. The clean energy sector is a growing industry and economic driver of job creation in Ohio, not only for IBEW members but for our communities as well.”
“Recognizing this week as Clean Energy Week proves once again that Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted understand what is important and impactful to all Ohioans,” said Ralph E. Cole, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer of the Ohio Laborers’ District Council. “The Ohio Laborers’ District Council, along with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the International Union of Operating Engineers, recognized the impact clean energy and particularly solar energy was going to have on creating jobs throughout the state and worked together to create a Three Trade Solar Agreement that carves a direct path to the middle class for all Ohioans offering career opportunities with living wages, health insurance and retirement benefits. We appreciate the Governor and Lt. Governor for acknowledging that and thank them for their continued support.”
