Several of us met this morning with Amy Gomberg, the program Director for Environment Ohio. This organization is an outgrowth of PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) which has a chapter in Oberlin. Maybe some of you have given donations to PIRG when they come knocking on our doors once a year.
Environment Ohio is focusing on energy and climate change. They are especially interested in changing policy through lobbying. This is why they need our support and our donations. To read more or donate go to Environment Ohio. Right now there are two pieces of legislation pending in Columbus.
The first is HB7 which requires all new buildings that receive capital from the state to meet the LEED Silver standards. Most of you are familiar with LEED standards, but I didn’t know there were three levels: gold, silver and bronze. These standards make sure the buildings are built with green materials etc. but only the gold mandates stricter standards of alternative energy sources such as solar power.
The other bill is the Passenger Rail Bill (HR 6003) providing rail transportation between Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. This project would be eligible for funds from Obama’s stimulus package IF it meets IEEC (International Energy Efficiency Code) standards. These are the highest standards for new buildings, and we could receive funds if the Senate passes legislation in favor of the Passenger Rail Bill.
You can help by calling or e-mailing your State Senator:
Senator Thomas Patton (Cuyahoga County). Senator Patton is on the Transportation Committee.
or
Senator Timothy Grendell (Geauga County).
Please ask them to vote in favor of the Passenger Rail Bill. If the Republican majority votes in favor of the Bill we will be eligible for stimulus package funds and bring more green energy to Ohio.
Becky Thomas
No comments:
Post a Comment