Columbus, OH (October 7, 2025) — A policy forum at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Columbus, Ohio drew more than 100 community members, conservation leaders, and elected officials for a discussion on Ohio's energy future and the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio wildlife and communities.
“As climate change continues to pose an urgent threat to bird populations, the responsible deployment of renewable energy is essential to securing a future where both people and wildlife can thrive,” said Marnie Urso, Senior Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes.
Hosted by Audubon Great Lakes and Columbus Audubon, the event—part of the Audubon Great Lakes Birds and Brews series—featured a panel of local, state and federal experts who engaged the audience in conversation about how we can work together to build a resilient, sustainable energy future for Ohio communities and wildlife as energy demand grows, costs rise and our electrical infrastructure ages.
Climate change is one of the greatest threats to birds and people, with two-thirds of North American birds at risk of extinction from climate change. As energy demand grows and infrastructure ages, communities face rising costs and increased risks of blackouts. Renewable energy represents a critical opportunity to stabilize the climate, reduce household energy burdens, protect wildlife and create resilient communities.
Speakers addressed energy affordability, infrastructure challenges, and policy solutions while outlining opportunities for Ohio to strengthen the electrical grid, ensure equitable access to clean energy, and expand solar power responsibly by ensuring that vulnerable species and high conservation areas for birds are protected as much as possible, and in accordance with federal law.
Shayna Fritz, Executive Director for the Ohio Conservative Energy Forum, highlighted policy barriers: “Right now Ohio has to import most of its energy. We have the ability to produce more electricity right here at home to meet the growing demand. Utility-scale solar is a clear opportunity to reduce energy costs, create jobs and add millions of dollars to local economies , but policy roadblocks and misinformation are preventing us from reaching our full potential.”
Katie Devlin, Director of Climate Justice Initiatives for IMPACT Community Action, emphasized the equity issues at stake: “Climate change and energy costs disproportionately impact communities that can least afford it. Clean energy offers an opportunity to build a more reliable and sustainable energy future for all Ohioans.”
Nat Miller, Senior Director of Wings Over Working Lands for the National Audubon Society, spoke to conservation opportunities: “We can expand renewables in ways that strengthen both communities and wildlife habitat. By working with developers, landowners and community members, we can advance responsible renewable development that protects, and even enhances, important habitat for birds.”
Roger Sikes, Policy and Advocacy Campaigner for Solar United Neighbors, pointed to solar’s accessibility: “Energy freedom starts with solar. Ohio families want access to community energy programs that will give them real choices, increase reliability and lower costs. The state legislature has an opportunity to make that happen right now.”
Columbus Audubon, representing nearly 3,000 local Audubon members, highlighted how clean energy aligns with conservation and community priorities.
“There is no single solution to the climate crisis,” added Urso. “But by advocating for smart energy policies like community energy that gives more people access to solar, investing in energy infrastructure, and ensuring renewable energy is responsibly sited, Ohio can build a future where birds, communities, and our economy thrive together. We thank our panel of speakers, and Ohioans who joined us tonight to learn how we can work to build a resilient, sustainable energy future for all Ohioans.”
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 is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety
