Clean contracts will support renewable energy developers and the growth of power from clean energy resources. The feed-in rates combined with clean contracts have features of transparency, longevity, and certainty. By adapting feed-in tariffs, It can add consumer protections, local ownership, and grow the local economy. The report also lists examples of different state that apply feed-in rates.

This report provides 10 aggressive strategies that tackles multiple industry sectors and makes Ohio more sustainable.

This report is based on the results of a scientific, national phone survey of 555 owners of small businesses (2 to 99 employees) conducted in June 2014. The survey found that clear majorities of small business owners are concerned about how climate change will affect their companies, including its impact on energy costs, health care costs and the infrastructure they depend on. Survey respondents voiced strong support for government action to address climate change, specifically, efforts to limit carbon pollution from power plants which produce a third of all U.S. carbon emissions. Significantly, a plurality (43%) of business owners surveyed self- identified as either Republican or Republican-leaning Independent.

Large amount of energy consumed in Ohio is lost in outdated electric system. CHP technology is important on saving electric power and reducing emissions.

Green building is steadily becoming one of the fastest growing sectors within the American economy. The business case for high performance buildings is being made by both Fortune 100 companies and small businesses, along with local, state and federal governments.

In December of 2015, 195 countries convened in Paris for the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. To the surprise and delight of most of the participants, the conference ended in consensus among all the participants on a document, the Paris Agreement, that will be opened for signature on April 22, 2016. The Paris Agreement contains specific requirements for monitoring, reporting and verification; those were authorized when the Senate ratified the original climate treaty in 1992. Beyond that, however, it is mostly aspirational. It has many declarations of intent and ambition, and it establishes procedures for future actions to achieve those ambitions. It does not on its face have binding, country-specific commitments to reduce emissions or provide financing. This was no accident; the U.S insisted that such commitments be left out, lest the agreement require Senate ratification, which would be impossible in the current political climate. The Paris Agreement nonetheless has significant legal and operational ramifications for many U.S. businesses. Those are the subject of this column.

Jobs can be created by restoring public sector jobs, investing in infrastructure, and investment in green energy. Employmeent compensation can be created by improving the income tax credit, retaining expandd medicaid, raise the minimum wage, and promoting community benefit agreements. To protect workers' rights, the state needs to prevent wage theft, enforce labor law and preserve collective bargaining. Simultaneously, the state should offer earned paid sick days, provide parental leave and invest in job trainning.

Climate change presents the biggest threat to America's economy. A price on carbon can be an efficient, business-friendly way to mitigate climate change. It can reduce emissions, spur innovation and job creation.

The cost of business is not only measured by money but should also include air pollution, contaminated water, and other enviornmental impacts. Prices must be based on true cost to help our economy become sustainable. Fossil fuels and toxic chemicals can create a series of negative externalities. public policy must play a critical role in eliminating subsidies and incentives to reduce negative externalities.

The report lays out the Apollo Alliance's four-part plan: invest in renewable power, create high-performance buildings, drive toward energy independence, build high-performance cities.