UPDATE: Audubon Great Lakes celebrates the passage of Issue 1 in Columbus and applauds the residents of central Ohio for leading the way towards sensible climate solutions. Ohio’s state legislature has thus far failed to take action to address climate change – so voters stepped in to demand it. More than 75 percent of Columbus voters approved the ballot measure, which looks to supply 100 percent of the city’s power needs with renewable energy by 2023. With a landslide showing of support for Issue 1, Columbus has demonstrated that clean energy is something that we can all agree on. 

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OHIO (October 23, 2020) – Today, Audubon Great Lakes extended its support of Issue 1 in Columbus, Ohio.

“Audubon’s science shows that climate change is by far the biggest threat to the birds that we love. That’s why we are working to find solutions to counteract the effects of climate change to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Adopting renewable energy is critical to reducing pollution, lowering global temperatures, and preserving the places that birds need to survive. Audubon strongly supports renewable energy – including solar, wind, and geothermal power – that is properly sited in ways that avoid, minimize and mitigate negative impacts on birds and other wildlife. In light of failed leadership at the Ohio state house to address climate change, bold action at the city level is more important than ever. Audubon Great Lakes proudly supports and encourages a yes vote on Columbus Issue 1 that would allow the city to aggregate electric services among ratepayers with the goal of investing in clean energy sources. We encourage Columbus residents to vote for a future where birds and people can thrive.”

- Marnie Urso, Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes

“Thirty-four percent of Ohio bird species are vulnerable to climate change if we don’t take immediate action. Investing in renewable energy will help to reduce carbon pollution and protect birds in Columbus like Scarlet Tanager and American Kestrel. As a sanctuary for bird and nature lovers, Grange Insurance Audubon Center is proud to support Issue 1, which will mean a healthier Ohio for birds, wildlife, and people.”

- Leigh Ann Miller, Center Director for the Grange Insurance Audubon Center
 

About Audubon Great Lakes
Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive.

Grange Insurance Audubon Center
The Grange Insurance Audubon Center (GIAC) is a conservation center that provides environmental and outdoor education programs to the people of Central Ohio. GIAC showcases the resilience of nature and the power of conservation-minded design. The building serves as a model of what public-private cooperation and civic pride can do to revitalize urban decay and reclaim natural environments for future generations. Learn more at and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.