For years, fossil fuel interest groups and utilities have wrongfully influenced decisions regarding Ohio’s energy system, hampering the state’s transition to a clean, renewable energy future. As a result, Ohio is one of the largest carbon emitters in the country and the world.
OEC’s Energy Program focuses on transforming Ohio’s energy landscape, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing Ohioans’ access to and ownership of reliable, affordable, and clean energy.
Energy Campaigns
Cut Methane Pollution
We must cut dangerous methane emissions to support healthier communities.
Learn MoreFederal Climate Investments
Unprecedented investments are creating a healthier environment, stronger economy, and more resilient climate future.
Learn MoreEnergy Team
Karin Nordstrom
Clean Energy Attorney
Karin Nordstrom (she, her, hers) is the OEC’s Clean Energy Attorney. In this role, Ms. Nordstrom represents the OEC before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Ohio Power Siting Board to work towards a more reliable and equitable renewable energy system in Ohio. Prior to joining the OEC, Karin worked as a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Columbus where she focused on administrative law. Her practice included public benefits, education law, and military discharge upgrades. Karin earned her law degree from the Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law. Prior to law school, Karin worked as a preventive health volunteer with the Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa. Karin has her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the Ohio State University.
Justice and Transition Lawyering Institute Fellow, 2023-2024 cohort
Equal Justice Works Fellow, 2017-2019 cohort
Nolan Rutschilling
Managing Director of Energy Policy
Nolan Rutschilling is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Policy and Decision Making from The Ohio State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Public and NonProfit Leadership from the Glenn College of The Ohio State University. Nolan has experience guiding climate and energy policy at the Ohio Legislature, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and local government work. He also has worked in corporate sustainability and carbon footprint analysis. Most recently, Nolan worked as the Energy and Sustainability Program Director of the Ohio Hospital Association, guiding all energy and environmental efforts related to Ohio’s healthcare systems. Nolan is a founding member of New Leaders Council of Columbus. Nolan is passionate about preventing and mitigating the impacts of climate change, particularly as they impact marginalized populations.
Jesse Velazquez
Climate Justice Manager
As Climate Justice Manager for the Ohio Environmental Council, Jesse works to bring recognition for inequitable social conditions exacerbated by climate change and help advocate for equitable solutions that empower marginalized communities. Jesse worked for years in retail management before his passion for environmental justice and climate action led him to pursue an education and career path to better impact his community.
Jesse earned a BA in Sustainability and the Environment from Florida International University and is a resident of Cincinnati, OH, where he also spent his childhood. Jesse interned with Green Umbrella and Greater Cincinnati’s Regional Climate Collaborative to work on equitable climate action locally. Jesse is an avid hiker and is working towards completing the Buckeye Trail to see Ohio at the pace of 3 miles per hour.
