NRDC Science Director Dan Lashof made two stops in Ohio last week - first in Columbus, then in Cleveland.
Lashof was here to talk up legislation pending in the U.S. Senate that would shift the effort to reduce Global Warming into the fast lane.
"We have a real opportunity to get something done that will be positive for the environment and positive for the economy here."
Dr. Lashof says Ohio is positioned to gain 22 to 35 thousand jobs by 2025 under The Warner Lieberman Climate Security Act, which would impose emissions caps on polluters, and enact cost containment mechanisms for utilities and industry.
That prediction is more or less in line with other reports projecting job growth in renewable energy manufacturing and production - provided the government imposes some mandates and deadlines.
Not every Senator is on board with Warner Lieberman, but Lashof credits leadership in cities like Cleveland with pressuring Congress to move on issues such as sustainability and emission reduction.
"Over the past several years, there's been a lot of activity at the state and local level. Finally now, Washington is catching up."
Attending the small conference were environmental groups, regional government reps; and Cleveland businesses.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.