Thirty Years of Helping Businesses Clean the Air
and Save Money
In 30 years, Ohio has made significant progress in improving the quality of its air and making more efficient use of its energy sources. Consider the new environmental regulations, programs and initiatives implemented in the past 30 years that are resulting in better quality of air and more efficient use of the state’s natural resources.
The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) is celebrating 30 years of connecting Ohio businesses with financing assistance for projects that meet air quality regulations, save energy and reduce emissions. OAQDA is an independent state agency that assists businesses, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations of all sizes. By implementing environmentally friendly projects, companies can comply with regulations and increase productivity, showing that good environmental sense is also good for the bottom line.
With the help of organizations such as OAQDA, Ohio is seeing results. According to the Ohio EPA’s recent 20-year air quality trends report, levels of most monitored air pollutants have dropped substantially in Ohio, and are continuing to improve.
Ohio, like many states, is attempting to balance strong economic development with environmental consciousness. With the development of new and exciting technologies, Ohio businesses are implementing innovative solutions that result in cleaner air and more efficient use of energy. For example, one Ohio company is turning landfill waste into commercially viable products. These type of projects help businesses maximize operating efficiencies, hire additional employees, protect jobs, and generate savings.
Since 1972, OAQDA has issued more than $4 billion in bonds to companies of all sizes and types. Projects have ranged from new paint booths for small auto body shops, to helping cities become more energy efficient, to multi-million-dollar investments in air pollution-control equipment by electric utility companies.
By continuing to embrace new technologies, businesses can use fuels more cleanly and efficiently; explore new energy sources, such as wind and solar; and, investigate using traditional energy sources, like coal, more cleanly. The Ethanol Production Incentive Program is an example of the partnering of state and industry interests to promote economic development. The program classifies ethanol and other biomass fuel production facilities as 100 percent eligible for OAQDA financing and other tax incentives. And OAQDA is working with companies to encourage the production of ethanol in Ohio.
In the next generation, OAQDA will continue to play an important role in cleaning Ohio’s air by encouraging companies and institutions to invest in projects that reduce or avoid emissions, save energy and strengthen Ohio’s economy. |
