How is climate change affecting Cleveland?
In Cleveland, we¡¯re seeing more frequent and intense storms, extreme heat, and flooding that threatens our infrastructure, public health, and public safety. These impacts disproportionately affect our most vulnerable communities.
What action are you taking to address climate change?
In Cleveland, Ohio ¡ª a city on the shores of Lake Erie ¡ª leaders from local and county governments are working to deploy renewable energy on brownfields (abandoned, potentially contaminated industrial sites) and landfills (where waste is buried) through solar projects, bringing affordable clean energy to our communities and slashing pollution using Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funds. The city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the city of Painesville have formed a coalition to develop roughly 63 megawatts of renewable energy. These ¡°brightfields¡± will power facilities throughout both cities and the county while also providing low-cost power to residents. The portfolio of projects also includes 10 megawatts of battery storage and 400 acres of improvements to natural systems in North East Ohio.
What are the benefits? Why is it important?
Across the nation, climate change is causing extreme weather patterns and seasons, driving up energy costs for cities, businesses, and residents. Community solar and energy-efficient upgrades cut energy costs and reduce pollution, freeing cities to invest in future growth and innovation. This historic investment in Cleveland and our municipal electric utility, Cleveland Public Power, will reduce the cost of electricity for our residents, help power our airport operations, and benefit community members by transforming landfills and brownfields into "brightfields" that generate power from the sun. It is true climate justice to bring the financial and health benefits of a clean and green economy into the homes of communities like Cleveland that have seen decades of economic disinvestment.
