June 18, 2019
COLUMBUS, OH — Eight Ohio Audubon chapters and Audubon Great Lakes have sent a joint letter to state legislators on behalf of the over 46,000 Audubon members in Ohio urging them to oppose House Bill 6 – a bill that would gut Ohio’s successful renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
Ohio is critical to the health and vitality of more than 400 birds and countless wildlife species. In addition to being important for Ohio’s natural heritage, birds are important pollinators for our agriculture industry and the money that birdwatchers spend supports local businesses.
Some 2.4 million Ohioans watch birds, and 3.5 million wildlife watchers spent $2 billion dollars here for equipment, supplies and travel in one year. Audubon’s Birds and Climate Report found that more than half of all North American bird species are threatened by climate change. That’s not only a terrible loss for nature but a detrimental impact to the economic health of Ohio’s communities.
If enacted, HB 6 will reverse the progress made by our renewable energy and efficiency programs and put more than 112,000 clean energy jobs in Ohio at risk. Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards have been helping reduce carbon emissions while delivering significant net benefits to consumers since they were first enacted. In 2008, Ohio made a commitment to reduce harmful emissions and propel our state and economy into the future. This was a big win for birds and wildlife.
“Energy efficiency and renewable energy are vital components in protecting Ohio’s birds and wildlife from the threat of climate change and ensuring all Ohioans have access to safe and affordable energy. HB 6 is a missed opportunity to begin working on comprehensive energy policy. This is not the investment in clean air and economic growth that our state deserves,” said Marnie Urso, Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes.
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Contact:
Marnie Urso, Policy Director, Audubon Great Lakes
216-246-7150
murso@audubon.org
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. Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
