In the context of the auto industry’s global transition to electric vehicles (EVs), two organizations released reports in the past two months highlighting the opportunities and risks for EV production and adoption in Ohio.
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) of Ohio’s 28-page report, entitled “The ABCs of Ohio EVs: A Policy Guide to Electrify Ohio,” provides a framework for an EV policy landscape that would benefit all Ohioans if state leaders take action to adopt it. In the report, CUB Ohio analyzes the multiple components of large-scale EV adoption, identifies challenges specific to Ohio, and presents recommendations on how the state can successfully implement EV policies to benefit the broadest circle of Ohio consumers. The report outlines eight cost-effective steps Ohio should take to secure the potential benefits EVs hold for state residents.
“With smart planning, everybody in Ohio could benefit from the rise of electric vehicles, even if they never drive one,” said CUB Ohio Executive Director Tom Bullock. “Consumers can benefit not just from clean air and lower carbon emissions but also from downward pressure on electricity prices.”
JobsOhio, with the support of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), hired Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI) to assemble their 21-page study, entitled “Ohio Battery Supply Chain Opportunities.” In the study, BMI highlights Ohio’s unique position as an ideal location for lithium battery manufacturers and Ohio’s opportunity to become a national leader in renewable energy and clean manufacturing. Large-scale investments in manufacturing and infrastructure are needed to leverage the state’s strengths and gain the greatest economic benefit as the global battery supply chain undergoes the rapid expected growth over the next few decades.
“The time to act is now,” said NRDC Ohio Energy Policy Director Dan Sawmiller. “If we sit still, it will only become harder to attract future automotive supply chain investment—placing hardworking Ohioans and their families at risk. This is a risk we cannot afford to take, and one we can avoid.”
The recent report releases indicate the urgency to pass the recently announced Accelerating Ohio’s Auto Industry legislation, sponsored by Senator Michael Rulli (R-Salem) and developed with the support of Clean Fuels Ohio and more than 35 other stakeholders.
2/24/2022