Letter from the Editor
Thank you to the George Gund Foundation for its continued support of EarthWatch Ohio. This publication would not be possible without the generous support of the community. I appreciate everyone who supports this publication and our organization.
This issue marks the beginning of our third year of publishing EarthWatch Ohio. I have had the exciting job over the last two years of learning about the many sustainability projects happening throughout our state. I have been working on environmental issues for more than 20 years and never before have I come across so many people and organizations dedicated to promoting and living a sustainable lifestyle. In every corner of our state, sustainability projects are being implemented. Individuals and groups are taking on effective and necessary projects that are literally transforming communities.
I encourage readers, if you are not already, to get involved in these community projects and work toward creating a sustainable future for our state.
Last week I testified at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s (PUCO) public hearing concerning FirstEnergy’s plan for rate increases and implementation of Senate Bill 221, Ohio’s new energy law. The PUCO has until Dec. 28 to approve or deny FirstEnergy’s electric security plan. This agency’s decision will have a huge impact on the rate Ohioans pay for electric power, implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency standards, and survival of aggregation, a way for customers to join together for bulk purchasing of energy to save money and/or choose their energy source.
I encourage readers to write to the PUCO and make your voice heard. Read the article and side bar on page five and visit www.earthwatchohio.org and click on ENERGY ISSUES for more information.
The Clean Ohio Fund, Issue 2, is up for renewal on the fall ballot. Please read the cover story written by Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher to learn about the importance of the Clean Ohio Fund.
We are so fortunate in Ohio to get to fully experience all four seasons. Be sure to embrace this transitional time between warm and cold.