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For Immediate Release
April 08, 2010

Ohio State, Ohio University to Partner on Plan to Address
Climate Change Policies and Impact on Ohio

COLUMBUS – Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Chris Korleski, Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel, and Governor Ted Strickland's Energy Advisor Mark Shanahan today announced a collaboration between Ohio University and The Ohio State University to understand the impacts of climate change and develop a plan for Ohio businesses and communities.

The universities have been awarded $500,000 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act State Energy Program to develop a climate change plan and impact analysis to prepare Ohio communities and businesses for federal climate change policies. The State Controlling Board approved the contract administered by the Ohio Department of Development, in partnership with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

"It is important for Ohio to develop the appropriate tools to become effectively engaged in the federal discussions surrounding climate change issues, including possible federal legislation and current rule-making efforts by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency," Korleski said. "This collaborative approach between state agencies and universities will allow Ohio to better understand key climate change issues and how they could impact Ohio's businesses, communities, and citizens."

"This program builds upon our existing efforts to understand the challenges related to impacts from climate change," Patt-McDaniel said. "The strong partnership between Ohio University and The Ohio State University brings together technical and policy experts for a balanced approach to evaluate and address the economic impact of climate change."

This announcement marks the third round of funding through Ohio's $96 million plan for the State Energy Program that was accepted on June 26, 2009 by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Climate Change Impact Analysis request for proposal was announced on December 11, 2009 with proposals due a month later. This project was selected through a competitive process based on expertise, qualifications, and the proposed work plan that includes the following:

  • a statewide inventory of greenhouse gas emissions
  • an assessment of the opportunities and risks for Ohio's industries
  • recommendations for an Ohio Climate Change Plan
  • development of an energy-economic policy modeling tool to analyze impacts from climate change policies and scenarios in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

"How Ohio addresses the climate change challenge will have an impact on our economy for decades to come," Shanahan said. "These American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will allow two great Ohio higher education institutions to help us make the right choices."

Ohio University and The Ohio State University have outlined a 12-month work plan that provides a complete inventory of greenhouse gas emissions with the development of a Web-based system to facilitate further collaboration among interested partners. The team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and risks of greenhouse gas policies to Ohio industries with a special appreciation of the impact to Ohio's energy intensive industries. A final report will describe the strengths and weaknesses for a suite of policy tools available to Ohio leaders. Finally, the project includes the development of an energy-economic modeling policy tool to allow the state to analyze the economic, environmental, and social impacts of possible climate change policies.

For more information about the State Energy Program, please visit: http://www.development.ohio.gov/recovery/StateEnergyProgram.htm.

Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, deal-making, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio's future.

The Ohio Energy Resources Division works to grow the economy of the state by connecting companies and communities to financial and technical resources in order to deploy renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency.

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Media contacts: Bethany Close at (614) 466-6619 or
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