Ohio has one of the most energy intensive economies in the country. To put it simply, our industries, from farming to chemicals, from automotive parts to software, use a lot of energy. According to the United States Department of Energy, Ohio is 6th in total energy consumed; 4th in use of electricity and the 4th largest industrial energy user in the US.

So when energy prices skyrocket, not only do ordinary Ohioans struggle to make ends meet, but the vast supply chain that powers Ohio’s businesses is vulnerable. Thousands of Ohio jobs are at stake in the three industry sectors in which energy and jobs are closely intertwined: automotive manufacturing, agriculture and power generation.

Because of this reality, Ohio has a tremendous opportunity to grow its economy by building on its existing strength in energy production. A recent study by Policy Matters and the Apollo Alliance showed that as many as 22,000 new jobs could be created in Ohio by investing in alternative energy.

Not only are there direct job-creation benefits to investing in next generation energy, but this approach is crucial to retaining the jobs we already have in Ohio. One of the most important things we can do to protect current Ohio industry is to ensure a stable, affordable energy supply to all Ohio businesses. Finally, next generation energy sources give off significantly-reduced emissions, helping to address the threat of climate change.

As governor, Ted Strickland will implement the following strategy to create jobs by focusing on energy in Ohio, and this plan will spur $1 billion in private and public investment in Next Generation Energy production and consumption in Ohio by 2010.

Make Ohio a Leader in Developing Next Generation Energy – A Strickland administration would build on Ohio’s strengths to make it a leader in developing and deploying state-of-the-art energy production technologies. Following are steps it would take:

A $250 Million Investment Plan – As governor, Ted Strickland will propose setting aside 30% of Ohio’s tax-exempt bonds for next generation energy production projects. This will make available to private business and entrepreneurs approximately $250 million per year in low interest capital for new alternative energy projects. This funding will be budget neutral and won’t require taxpayer dollars.

Encourage the Development of a Wide Range of Alternative Energy Production in Ohio – A Strickland Administration will complement the bond program with Third Frontier funding to create new jobs and a cleaner environment by investing in new, cutting-edge sources of energy including biofuels, solar, wind, and clean coal technologies.

Spur Hybrid Auto and Renewable Component Manufacturing – Set aside a part of Third Frontier funding and workforce training funds to provide capital and training support to Ohio’s manufacturers who are either making the transition to hybrid auto vehicle manufacturing or entering a new market for renewable energy, such as wind or solar.

Support Clean Coal Technologies – A Strickland administration will work to ensure that Ohio’s regulatory climate provides incentives for investment in a wide range of clean coal technologies. It will also encourage the development and implementation of advanced coal gasification technologies for a variety of purposes including electricity, liquid fuels and fertilizers.

Bring Ethanol Production and Jobs to Ohio – Marshal the capital and demand to support establishment of Ohio ethanol plants that will produce ethanol to fuel Ohio’s vehicles and help stabilize gas prices for all Ohioans, preferably with a strong equity position for Ohio farmers. Such plants will lift average corn prices for Ohio’s farmers, generate construction and operations jobs for skilled workers, promote use of renewable resources and lessen Ohio’s dependency on foreign sources of oil.

Support development of infrastructure to make biofuels (ethanol, soy diesel, etc.) accessible to every Ohioan – Expand present state incentives to partner with distributors and retailers to make blends such as B2, B20 and E85 available statewide.

Leading by Example – A Strickland Administration will take seriously its responsibility to lead by example. It will use state purchasing power to boost demand for alternative energy sources and to ensure energy efficiency savings. Specific actions a Strickland administration will take include:

Stimulate demand for biofuels in Ohio – State vehicles that can use biofuels of any kind will be required to use those fuels, where available. Specifically, state flex-fuel vehicles will be required to use E85. The state will establish E85 pumps to serve its centralized fleets. Twenty-five percent of state diesel purchases will be biodiesel.

State will use and test new automotive technologies as they become available – Every new vehicle purchased for Ohio’s state fleet, with the possible exception of public safety vehicles, will be required to be either hybrid, flex-fuel or hydrogen. In partnership with Ohio’s automotive manufacturers, the state will actively test new composite materials and propulsion technologies that improve vehicle energy efficiency and safety.

Establish a mandate to increase the state’s consumption of biofuels – As production of biofuels in Ohio increases, a Strickland Administration will pursue legislation to increase the use of ethanol and biodiesel in the state’s fuel supply. For example, the legislation could mandate that 10 percent of the total amount of gasoline sold in the state be ethanol as soon as Ohio makes enough ethanol to meet that standard.

Energy Audit – Within 60 days of taking office, a statewide energy audit will be launched to develop a strategy for making every state-owned building as energy efficient as possible. Not only will this save taxpayer dollars, but it could act as a catalyst for similar cost-saving measures in the private sector.

Target 5 percent energy reduction within one year, 15 percent within five years for all state facilities, within a year after the conclusion of the statewide energy audit.

Launch a Governor’s Higher Education Energy Challenge, establishing teams of students, faculty, administrators and facility staff to identify energy savings initiatives on their campuses. Awards would be established to reward the most innovative proposals implemented by campuses across the state.