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  OEC in the News

Negotiations Advance Regulatory Bill Closer To Passage In Ohio
March 15, 2010

According to Stewart [VP of Ohio Oil & Gas Association], the key amendments in the House version pertain to legal issues related to enforcement procedures that have garnered support for the bill by the Ohio Environmental Council.

Lake Erie water quality worsening
March 13, 2010

The lake, especially its shallowest western basin bordering Monroe County and northwest Ohio, is suffering from farm-related and other runoff that threatens to return its health to that of the 1970s when it was written off as dead.

A Decades-long Great Lakes Legacy
March 11, 2010

At a recent Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition reception, U.S. Senator Geroge V. Voinovich (R-OH) was honored for his decades of service to the health of Lake Erie and the well-being of all the Great Lakes. Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Sean Logan and Kristy Meyer with the Ohio Environmental Council presented him with the award.

OEC offers organic-farm tour
March 10, 2010

Those attending will be able to experience life on a working farm that began in the late 1800s. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, tour of the pastures and gardens, and a light lunch, featuring fresh, organic foods.

A municipal power co-op tied to area towns tackles a $2B hydroelectric project
March 7, 2010

"While hydro-power is not environmentally benign, AMP's project is a lower-impact hydro project that will help Ohio loosen the shackles of dirty coal power," said Trent Dougherty, director of legal affairs for the Ohio Environmental Council.

Wetlands Instruction Available
March 6, 2010

Vernal pools are important breeding areas for a variety of amphibians. But they are rapidly disappearing as poorly planned developments spread across Franklin County.

Bath Township takes lead in drug program
February 28, 2010

The Columbus-based Ohio Environmental Council and the Ohio Hospital Association intend to kick off a pilot project in the city of East Liverpool, perhaps in May. That program is being funded by a $40,000 grant from the Ohio EPA, said spokeswoman Ellen Mee of the OEC, a statewide eco-group.

Report: Energy Policies Could Save Ohioans Hundreds of Dollars a Year
February 25, 2010

Nolan Moser, Clean Air & Energy Program director, Ohio Environmental Council, says these policies also would result in lower energy bills. "In Ohio, we can expect to save $300 in electricity every year for each household and $180 in gas bills every year."

Several options available to fight Asian carp invasion from reaching Great Lakes
February 24, 2010

Fishing is big business in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. According to the Ohio Environmental Council, "Lake Erie is the foundation of health, economic vitality and recreation for millions of Ohioans."

Make tough decisions now for better future, Ohio urged
February 23, 2010

Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council praised the emphasis on green technology and energy and a renewed commitment to urban centers.

Is nuclear the answer for energy needs?
February 22, 2010

"The multibillion dollar question is where do you safely contain the waste? Before you produce more waste, that question needs to be resolved," said Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council.

Where there's smoke...
February 20, 2010

"This example in Parkman is a perfect example of why there needs to be regulations on wood-fired boilers," said David R. Celebrezze of the OEC. "We see this as something that the state really does need to pick up the ball on and at the very least, the local township and local cities can enact ordinances."

Sustainability Programs on the Rise
February 18, 2010

Sustainability refers to meeting present energy and natural resource needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Clean-energy groups show their support in Canton
February 15, 2010

A five-minute video - "Climate Patriots: A Military Perspective on Energy, Climate Change and American National Security" - showing the links between climate change, energy posture and the nation's security will be released.

Landfill Fighters of Morrow County ask for help in getting C&DD moratorium
February 11, 2010

In short, Ohio now has proof that C&DD [construction and demolition debris] facilities are producing toxic leachate and that they are affecting the health and safety of Ohioans.

Gov. Strickland, in picking Lesser, fills powerful PUCO seat with safe, insider candidate
February 10, 2010

The Ohio Environmental Council said in published reports, "The decisions we've watched have officially been public, but the dirty little secret is that the utility industry wields a disproportionate amount of clout."

Anti-pollution plan: Ban idling
February 5, 2010

The ban would mean a significant drop in pollution and would save drivers money on gas, said David Celebrezze, director of air and water special projects for the Ohio Environmental Council.

Wood fired boilers
February 4

The Ohio Environmental Council and the local chapter of the American Lung Association want state officials to regulate wood fired furnaces, which some Ohioans are using as a cheaper option than gas or electricity to keep their homes warm.

Obama unveils $8B plan for high-speed rail
January 29

"This is a mighty economic train. This will spur and develop downtown development," Jack Shaner, Ohio Environmental Council spokesman, said. "Toledo is right on the sweet spot there between Cleveland and Chicago."

Gov. Ted Strickland banking on green energy jobs to save Ohio's economy
January 26

Jack Shaner, deputy director of the Ohio Environmental Council, said Ohio's green energy industry is beginning to blossom. "It's about time we got our big green light out from under the bushel basket here."

EDITORIAL: The White House needs to step in to stop the Asian carp's advance on the Great Lakes
January 24, 2010

In December, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, with the support of 25 organizations, including the Ohio Environmental Council and the Lake Erie Region Conservancy, demanded that the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal locks be shut down.

Coal-slurry lagoon site awaits OK
January 24, 2010

"It was unacceptable in 2008. It should be unacceptable now," said Trent Dougherty, an attorney for the Ohio Environmental Council.

Mercury limits disregarded
January 17, 2010

Ellen Mee of the Ohio Environmental Council said the growing list of companies allowed to pollute makes the federal limits meaningless. "We need to be working harder to get to that standard," Mee said.

Gas wells' leftovers may wash into Ohio
January 11, 2010

"We're looking at a wave of toxic brine headed into this state," said Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council.

Tougher ozone limits putting Ohio on notice
January 8, 2010

"The ultimate goal here is to maximize the public-health benefits," said David Celebrezze of the Ohio Environmental Council.

Judge who owns property asks if he should step down from shoreline case
January 7, 2010

The Ohio Environmental Council, which advocates for state control of the shoreline, has no concerns regarding Moyer's impartiality, its attorney, Trent Dougherty, said.

Lake County, Ohio, transit authority joins group for funding
January 5, 2010

Lake County's transit authority has signed on to be part of a Greater Cleveland ad hoc group called Save Transit Now, Move Ohio Forward! The coalition hopes to influence legislators to provide more funding to systems here while reinforcing the importance of public transportation to the state's work force, environment and economy.

RTA expects heavy turnout at hearings on cutting routes, hiking fares
January 4, 2010

As transit agencies statewide scramble to balance budgets because of declining sales tax revenue and other financial support, 10 transportation, public-policy, social-service and environmental organizations [including the OEC] have formed Save Transit Now, Move Ohio Forward to stem the decline of public transit.

2009

Federal money on the way to shore up the Great Lakes: Whatever happened to ... ?
December 31, 2009

Kristy Meyer of the Ohio Environmental Council, however, said she remains concerned that too much of Ohio's share of that $120 million could end up either going toward existing programs that might lose their current federal funding or at least lose its maximum effectiveness.

Anti-idling policies and ordinances to be promoted by four agencies
December 31, 2009

Cleveland's anti-idling ordinance should be copied across the state, said David Celebrezze, director of air and water special projects for the Ohio Environmental Council. He is promoting such legislation to central Ohio communities.

Medications may lurk in that drink of water
December 29, 2009

The FDA recommends that consumers mix old medication with kitty litter or coffee grounds. "They're advising folks to break them up and mix them with wet garbage so they're not retrievable," said Ellen Mee, director of environmental-health policy at the Ohio Environmental Council.

AG’s office, other states settle with power giant
December 23, 2009

The New York Attorney General's office has announced a settlement with the power producer Duke Energy to reduce its sulphur dioxide emissions from a plant in New Albany, Ind., that has been linked to soot and acid rain in every state between here and the Ohio River.

E-mails don't dispel evidence of warming
December 16, 2009

"It also does not change the fact that greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and black carbon, are warming our planet and affecting our health." - David R. Celebrezze, OEC Director of Air & Water Special Projects

EDITORIAL: Temporary closure of a commercial canal near Chicago would be a small price for keeping Asian carp from invading Great Lakes
December 6, 2009

"Shut down the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal locks -- now. That is the only sensible and strategic response to the danger posed by Asian carp trying to pass through those navigational locks on their way to Lake Michigan."

Opponents hail AMP’s decision to dump coal power plant
November 27, 2009

"AMP-Ohio’s wise decision belies the myth that coal power is cheap power," Trent Dougherty, OEC staff attorney said. "Financial institutions, major utilities, government regulators and public power organizations across the nation have come to the conclusion that conventional coal makes little sense economically or environmentally. Today, that realization came to AMP as AMP has abandoned plans to build yet another coal plant."

Pass the turkey, hold the arsenic
November 24, 2009

"...that turkey may contain roxarsone, a food additive that poultry producers use to fight off parasites and help young chicks grow. But it is a derivative of arsenic, which isn’t necessarily the healthiest thing to eat...so in the meantime Nachman advises consumers to consider organic turkeys, which are roxarsone-free."

Ohio Northern University to present discussion on nonprofit opportunities for lawyers
November 18, 2009

Trent Dougherty and Will Reisinger, members of the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC), will discuss opportunities for lawyers working at nonprofit organizations in the Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law Moot Court Room (129) at noon on Friday, Nov. 20. The event is free and open to the public.

AEP Programs To Reduce Usage, Raise Prices
November 18, 2009

After extensive collaboration, American Electric Power (AEP), the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), Ohio Environmental Council, Sierra Club Ohio, Ohio Poverty Law Center and others have come to an agreement with the utility on programs that will expand the utility's energy efficiency portfolio through 2011.

Environmental groups decry changes to green energy rules
November 13, 2009

Nolan Moser, an attorney with the Ohio Environmental Council speaking about transparency on rule writing, said, "One year of testimony, filings and public debate at the PUCO led to quality, consensus rules. Now, a couple weeks of private back and forth negotiations have jeopardized them. This debate needs to be in the open."

AMP hearings stretch into 2010
November 13, 2009

The NRDC, OEC and Sierra Club are appealing this permit. Opponents felt the permit as issued would allow AMP to discharge pollutants into the Ohio River, John’s Run and unnamed tributaries from the plant.

Livestock, veteran amendments approved in Ohio
November 4, 2009

"We're going to work as hard as we can to try to create some measure of balance on this board," said Joe Logan of the Ohio Environmental Council. "I'm not sure if that's doable. I think it’s a foregone conclusion that this board will be in favor of what agribusiness wants."

President Obama quietly signs landmark Great Lakes clean-up bill
November 2, 2009

"This is the first time ever that a president has given substantial money to the Great Lakes," said Kristy Meyer of the Ohio Environmental Council

Cap-and-trade system for water pollution gets boost with federal cash
October 30, 2009

"The problem is if the pollution costs are down so low, it becomes more feasible to pay a farmer for best management practices than to clean up the electric plant," said Kristy Meyer of the Ohio Environmental Council. "That's 'greenwashing.' It doesn’t solve the (pollution) problem."

Issue 2 foes speaking up
October 28, 2009

Joe Logan, a fifth-generation farmer from Trumbull County, a former head of the Ohio Farmers Union, and now with the Ohio Environmental Council, said the financial support for Issue 2 is "driven by agribusiness interests." He said the 5,500-member Ohio Farmers Union opposes the issue.

Ohio Environmental Council turns 40
October 28, 2009

We recently caught up with Keith Dimoff, Executive Director at the Ohio Environmental Council to discuss the history of the organization, what types of initiatives they are currently working on, and what to expect at the upcoming Green Gala celebration.

Conservation community reacts to Ohio's new state forest plan
October 28, 2009

"This is a bargain investment that will pay dividends many times over to the people of Ohio in clean air, protected soil and water resources, and conserved wildlife habitat," Jack Shanker, the OEC's Deputy Director.

EPA to Issue Strict Rules for U.S. Power Plant Air Toxics
October 23, 2009

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to adopt rules reducing toxic air pollution from the nation's coal- and oil-burning power plants, by November 2011, according to a settlement agreement reached in a federal lawsuit brought against the agency by a coalition of public health and environmental groups.

Dispute over Issue 2 pits farmers against Humane Society
October 16, 2009

Director of agriculture programs for the Ohio Environmental Council, Joe Logan, who raises cattle, says it's quite possible to treat animals humanely and still produce the eggs and pork that hungry diners want. "It may require a few more farmers, but that's not a terrible thing," Logan said.

AMP plant clears EPA air hurdle
October 16, 2009

Among the environmentalists’ chief concerns with the proposed plant is that the mercury emissions allowed by the by Ohio EPA permit are too high, said Ohio Environmental Counsel attorney Nolan Moser.

Issue Two: Should Ohio Farmers Establish A Livestock Care Standards Board?
October 13, 2009

Joe Logan is a farmer and past president of the Ohio Farmers Union. He now serves as the Director of Agricultural Programs for the Ohio Environmental Council and questions the need for a politically-appointed board to address what farmers say is not a problem. Logan argues the state constitution is not the place for it.

State appeals shoreline court decision
October 9, 2009

"The state of Ohio has a solemn responsibility to forever care for Lake Erie and its shore. We salute (Cordray) for keeping faith in Ohio's sacred public trust duties," OEC Deputy Director Jack Shaner said.

Editorial: Congressional conference committee should restore $75 million cut from Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
October 9, 2009

Sens. George Voinovich and Sherrod Brown have sent a joint letter to the conference committee's leaders, urging full funding for the initiative. Rep. Steve LaTourette, who could be tapped to sit on the committee, also advocates full funding. This is how it must be.

Utility is asked to halt bulb program
October 8, 2009

The head of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has called on FirstEnergy to halt a controversial plan to distribute energy-efficient light bulbs to customers and charge them over the next three years for the costs involved.

Cars fail E-Check, drive off map
October 3, 2009

"That is potentially a really big problem," said David Celebrezze of the Columbus-based Ohio Environmental Council. "It does seem like something that should be tracked, just so we are not moving the pollution around."

Lunken Airport seen as "temporary" solution for Cincinnati's 3C Corridor station
September 29, 2009

Legislative and public affairs associate for the Ohio Environmental Council, Coby Williams says, "Union Terminal is clearly the best permanent location. Being a native of Cincinnati, I know it's a well recognized landmark. It also has existing shops and museums, and it's near downtown. There is also room for more development nearby, and of course, it's already a train station."

Judge: 40 quickie hearings on hold
September 29, 2009

"We will be involved," said Trent Dougherty, attorney for the Ohio Environmental Council. "Exactly how and when we will be involved is to be announced."

Environmental cases: Both sides argue 1-hour appeals hearings unfair
September 27, 2009

Trent Dougherty, attorney with the Ohio Environmental Council, said it might be easier to ask legislators to pass another law to rescind the deadlines. "There needs to be a legislative fix immediately," Dougherty said. "That's really the best option available to us."

Mandate to clear environmental panel's backlog hampers justice, lawsuit says
September 21, 2009

"I feel absolutely comfortable standing next to AEP and these other industries when the deprivation of constitutional rights is involved," said Trent Dougherty, staff attorney for the Ohio Environmental Council.

Animal rights fight heads to voters
September 20, 2009

Issue 2 sounds innocuous enough: It would amend Ohio's constitution to create a statewide board to develop standards for livestock care and safety. But opponents see something more nefarious: an attempt to stop animal rights groups from getting their own statewide ballot initiative that would be far more protective of animals.

EPA will take another look at smog limits enacted in '08
September 17, 2009

"The EPA has done a good thing here," said Nolan Moser, air and energy program director for the Ohio Environmental Council. "Hopefully, we will at least see a much better, scientifically based justification for a new standard."

Focusing on the present, future of environment
September 16, 2009

A forum on environmental issues, held Tuesday night at the Educational Service Center, focused on the present and future state of the environment in Knox County.

Ohio High-Speed Rail Advocates Look to Maine as a Model
September 14, 2009

"Hopefully, we'll have train service by 2011, but we have a lot of ground to cover before then," says the Ohio Environmental Council’s Jack Shaner.

EPA review could delay mine projects, including four in Ohio
September 12, 2009

Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council noted that about 1,300 miles of Ohio streams are poisoned by sulfuric acid leaking from abandoned mines. "It's better to take the time to get it right than to try to clean up after," Shaner said.

Environmentalists: Decision strips Ohio attorney general of right to represent public
September 9, 2009

The Ohio Environmental Council said Tuesday that the August decision strips the state of any standing in a case in which private property owners are trying to assert their rights to land up to the water's edge.


Lakefront landowners brace for appeals
The Press, Millbury - September 3, 2009

Ohio's Former Attorney General fought the lawsuit, contending that the lands around Lake Erie are held in public trust and should remain open for public access.The Ohio Environmental Council and National Wildlife Federation also joined the lawsuit and argued the public access extended up to the high-water mark.

Read article (external link)

Coke plant hearing over permit accelerates
Toledo Blade - September 1, 2009

A hearing on a proposed permit for a controversial coking facility on the Toledo-Oregon border has been suddenly fast-tracked after lawmakers quietly slipped language into the state budget to accelerate appeals.

Read article (external link)

Filling of wetlands continues as developers protest proposed rules
Columbus Dispatch - August 30, 2009

"It's become more and more frustrating," said Trent Dougherty, staff attorney for the Ohio Environmental Council. "We're still living under rules that ultimately aren't as protective as these new rules would be."

Read article (external link)

Green Report: Degree, training programs supplying skilled workers of future
Business First, Columbus - August 28, 2009

The Ohio Board of Regents announced the launch of its Ohio Green Pathways program in late July in collaboration with the nonprofit Ohio Environmental Council.

Read article (external link)

Lake Erie lakefront landowners own whatever is above water, appeals court rules
Cleveland Plain Dealer - August 24, 2009

Jack Shaner, deputy director of the Ohio Environmental Council, said the court's ruling is bad for the public. "This decision says sure, enjoy Lake Erie with your feet in the water, but don't tread one inch landward beyond that," Shaner said.

Read article (external link)

Ohio Green Workforce Training Partnership Awarded $100,000 to Launch Weatherization Training Partnership in Cleveland
BusinessWire - August 14, 2009

The Ohio Green Workforce Training Partnership will receive $100,000 to establish a first-of-its-kind training program that will prepare workers for a career in the growing fields of weatherization and energy efficiency. The Ohion Environmental Council is part of the partnership group.

Read article (external link)

Give photo contest your best shot
Canton Repository - August 14, 2009

To commemorate the natural beauty of Ohio, the OEC invites Ohioans to submit their best photographs for a photography contest. Amateur and professional photographers who are current Ohio residents are invited to submit their best shots of Ohio.

Read article (external link)

Ohio EPA grants extension to AMP
Daily Sentinel (Pomeroy) - August 13, 2009

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a 12-month extension to American Municipal Power in regards to its original air permit-to-install, which remains under appeal by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Ohio Environmental Council, Sierra Club and National Parks Conservation Association.

Read article (external link)

State coal inspections cut back
Columbus Disptach - August 10, 2009

"Inspecting reclamation sites is just as important as (inspecting) the mines," said Trent Dougherty, staff attorney for the Ohio Environmental Council.

Read article (external link)

Healthy Lake Erie means stronger economy
WKYC (NBC) Cleveland - August 3, 2009

Kristy Meyer, director of Clean Water Programs for the Ohio Environmental Council said, "we need to send a clear message to Congress. Stand up for the millions of people who depend on the Great Lakes for their jobs, drinking water, and way of life."

WKYC interview (external link)
Morning Journal (Lorain) article (external link)
Akron Beacon Journal article (external link)

Audience at EPA hearing has definite ideas on how to spend Great Lakes Initiative funding
Cleveland Plain Dealer - July 31, 2009

Kristy Meyer of the Ohio Environmental Council, though, cautioned the EPA officials not to get too caught up in the "shovel ready" projects fancied by the president in the stimulus bill.

Read article (external link)

Ohio beaches rank the 2nd worst in the nation
Newsradio WTAM 1100 - July 30, 2009

Coby Williams of the Ohio Environmental Council says, last year there were 783 health advisory days, an increase of 19 percent from the previous year.

Read interview (external link) Read Akron Beacon News article (external link)
Read Cleveland Plain Dealer article (external link)

State links education to green jobs
Columbus Dispatch - July 28, 2009

The University System of Ohio is partnering with the Ohio Environmental Council to link education and training to green jobs in the state.

Read article (external link)

Five Governors, Including Ohio's, Sign Midwest High Speed Rail Agreement
Illinois Government News Network - July 27, 2009

The Governors today announced an agreement between eight states to work cooperatively to achieve funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to develop the Midwest corridor.

Read press release (external link)

Cuyahoga Heights is site of Environmental Protection Agency hearing on the Great Lakes restoration plan
Cleveland Plain Dealer - July 26, 2009

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for this region overall and Ohio specifically," said Kristy Meyer of the Ohio Environmental Council. "This is our generation's chance to make sure our Great Lakes economy thrives and that we maintain and improve on the quality of life around the lakes."

Read article (external link)

Study Focuses On Wetlands, Preservation
The Evening Leader (St. Marys) - July 23, 2009

David R. Celebrezze of the Ohio Environmental Council also noted the importance of wetlands on the surrounding area. "They provide free functions and benefits," he said. "They filter pollution, provide recreation and education, habitats and they increase property values — people like being around nature."

Read article (external link)

Why the Ohio Environmental Council Supports CO2 Injection and Storage
The Daily Advocate (Greenville) - July 17, 2009

In this Op-Ed piece, Trent Dougherty, Director of Legal Affairs, explains why the Ohio Environmental Council supports carbon capture technology and the proposed Greenville project.

Read article (external link)

Environmentalists cry foul - Claim review panel hampered by budget amendment
Millbury Press - July 16, 2009

Representatives of three environmental groups are asking Gov. Ted Strickland to veto a provision in the state operating budget bill they claim hamstrings the work of the Environmental Review Appeals Commission.

Read article (external link)

Toxic algae found in lake
Columbus Dispatch - July 16, 2009

"This is not a trivial organism to be discovering," said Joe Logan, agricultural director for the Ohio Environmental Council. "It's extremely harmful, extremely toxic and extremely worrisome."

Read article (external link)

Seconds for 'Food, Inc.'
Columbus Dispatch - July 14, 2009

The Ohio Environmental Council, Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association and Sierra Club Ohio Chapter are hosting a second preview screening (9:30 p.m.) of the new doc Food, Inc. on July 16 at the Drexel Theatre.

Read article (external link)

Groups push for schools to serve milk free from hormones
Northwest Columbus News - July 14, 2009

Local groups such as the Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association and the Ohio Environmental Council join forces with national organizations to urge school districts to serve milk that's free of the recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH).

Read article (external link)

Ohio's Lawmakers Pass Budget
Columbus Dispatch - July 14, 2009

The budget compromise was announced around noontime Monday and by nightfall the agreement had passed both the House and Senate. The budget now moves to the Governor Ted Strickland's desk for his signature, most likely Wednesday.

Read Dayton Daily News article (external link)
Read Columbus Dispatch article (external link)
Read Cleveland Plain Dealer article (external link)

Jack Shaner Discusses "3C" Train Proposal
News Talk 610 WTVN - July 14, 2009

Listen to the postcast of Jack Shaner, OEC's Deputy Director, with WTVN's morning show Bob Conners talking about the proposed passenger rail service between the 3 C's - Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland.
Listen (external link)

Report Urges Policy Changes to Protect Ohio’s Wetlands
Public News Service - July 9, 2009

David Celebreeze, director of air and water special projects for the Ohio Environmental Council, says wetlands are valuable because they slow flood water, filter pollutants and provide areas for recreation. Yet, Ohio has lost 90 percent of its wetlands, he says.
Read article (external link)

Environmental groups plead for fee hikes instead of cuts
Hudson Hub Times - July 1, 2009

"It has taken steady investment, vigilant oversight and continued enforcement and collaboration to protect our air, land and water resources," said Jack Shaner, deputy director of the Ohio Environmental Council. "... But today, we are in peril of slipping backward.
Read article (external link)

700 protest against carbon dioxide plan
Dayton Daily News - June 30, 2009

"I have rarely seen a community that well organized and that strong," said Nolan Moser of the Ohio Environmental Council, which supports the project. But he said there are dozens of proven carbon sequestration programs around the world.
Read article (external link)

Will Ohio make drillers' dreams come true? - Editorial by Jack Shaner
Akron Journal Beacon - June 28, 2009

Should Ohio invite the oil and gas industry into our state parks, nature preserves and wilderness areas? The Ohio Senate thinks so. Without public debate, earlier this month it abruptly amended the pending state operating budget bill to open all state lands — and potentially Lake Erie — to oil and gas drilling.
Read article (external link)

Environmental groups say no to drilling at state parks in Ohio
Daily Jefferson - June 26, 2009

"Any revenue that that harebrained idea would even generate is not going to help the general operating [budget] one red cent," said Jack Shaner, deputy director of the Ohio Environmental Council, noting that lawmakers would direct drilling lease proceeds to maintenance and capital costs.
Read article (external link)

Budget puts conservation at risk
Youngstown Vindicator - June 23, 2009

"It has taken steady investment, vigilant oversight and continued enforcement and collaboration to protect our air, land and water resources," said Jack Shaner, deputy director of the Ohio Environmental Council. "But today, we are in peril of slipping backward. Ohio’s dire state-budget outlook could put that steady progress for environmental cleanup and natural resources conservation at risk."

State lawmakers inundated with budget requests
Columbus Dispatch - June 21, 2009

Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council said this time of year forces his group to run a two-minute offense. "Between meetings we strategically idle in high-traffic hallways and even the Statehouse parking garage, seeing who might come along. Whatever it takes," he said.
Read article (external link)

This is green energy?
Columbus Disptach - June 21, 2009

"These aren't green sources of energy," quipped Jack Shaner, of the Ohio Environmental Council. "They're much more brown."
Read article (external link)

How do you feel about nuclear power in Ohio?
WTOL News 11 - June 18, 2009

Officials with the Ohio Environmental Council say they have a right to be concerned, reported ONN's Lot Tan. "We have a massive problem with nuclear waste in this country. There's no way to safely get rid of it just yet, the issue is not solved," said Nolan Moser of the Ohio Environmental Council.
View video (external link)

Governor reviewing plans to allow drilling in parks
Twinsburg Bulletin - June 18, 2009

In a letter signed by the Sierra Club, the Ohio Environmental Council and seven other groups and delivered June 4, members wrote that only a small percentage of the state's landscape is currently off limits to oil and gas drilling. "The state of Ohio has a solemn duty to honor its responsibility to perpetually care for -- and not develop -- its public lands, to forever protect the last remaining vestiges of our natural heritage for generations to come," the letter stated.
Read article (external link)

Nuclear plant planned in southern Ohio
Toledo Blade - June 17, 2009

Environmentalists say nuclear plants' biggest liability remains the thousands of tons of cancer-causing radioactive wastes they produce. "Where do you safely store the waste?" said Jack Shaner, with the Ohio Environmental Council. "It's not green energy."
Read article (external link)

Cleveland area in compliance with smog standards
WCPN 90.3 FM - June 16, 2009

"Efforts by the state such as the Ohio diesel emission reduction program and the Ohio EPA School Bus Grant program put filters on a lot of these vehicles that has contributed to lowering those emissions," said David Celebrezze of the Ohio Environmental Council.
Read article (audio file & print)

Capture of carbon a viable option
Columbus Dispatch - June 13, 2009

"If we are serious about confronting the threat posed by climate change, we will need to consider all emission-reduction options, including the underground storage of CO2," Will Reisinger, Staff Attorney, Ohio Environmental Council
Read article (external link)

Wade in the Darby
Madison Press - June 12, 2009

The Ohio Environmental Council is joined by other environmentalists at Darby Creek to keep the state's Scenic Rivers Program financially afloat
Read article (external link)     See photos (Flickr)

Ohio Environmentalists Fight to Save Scenic Rivers Program
NBC4 Columbus - June 6, 2009

Local environmentalists are preparing for a budget battle over the state’s scenic rivers program.
Watch video (external link)

Senate passes plan to allow park drilling
Columbus Dispatch - June 4, 2009

"We need to get the mess on private lands straightened up before we even think about opening up public lands to the drill," said Jack Shaner with the Ohio Environmental Council.
Read article (external link)

Senate prepares measure to allow drilling for oil and gas in Ohio state park and forest lands
Toledo Blade - June 3, 2009

"It'll be a donnybrook," said Jack Shaner with the Ohio Environmental Council. "People are looking for money. It's like junk food. It's a quick fix that leaves you wanting more."
Read article (external link)

Senate prepares measure to allow drilling for oil and gas in Ohio state park and forest lands
Dayton Daily News - June 3, 2009

"It’s hard to simultaneously preserve parks and drill our parks," said Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council.
Read article (external link)

Drilling reform advances
Columbus Dispatch - June 1, 2009

"Give the (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) and the industry credit. They acknowledged they have a problem, and they are willing to put forth solutions," said Jack Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council. "We will be looking for ways to tighten oversight."
Read article (external link)




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