OEC Events

Special Event on September 24: Utility Advocate Convening 

This year, we’ve expanding the schedule of events for the Ohio Public Interest Environmental Law Conference to include a second day! We’re calling all public utility advocates to join us for a special advocacy convening on September 24, 2026. The Utility Advocate Convening will be a unique deep dive into all issues related to rate making, electricity affordability, and other matters overseen by public utilities commissions across the country. Tickets for the convening are sold separately, but a ticket for the convening also registers you for the law conference!

On Friday, September 25th, the Ohio Environmental Council is excited to host the 2026 Ohio Public Interest Environmental Law Conference starting at 10am in Saxbe Auditorium at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. For the 2026 conference, we are once again collaborating with the Ohio State University’s Environmental Professionals Network, whose monthly breakfast will begin the day in the WOSU Sandy and Andy Ross Community Studio (1800 N. Pearl St. Columbus, OH 43201). If you’re unable to make EPN’s breakfast, feel free to join us at 10am for the start of the law conference! 

So Let’s Talk About Data Centers! 

Join community leaders and experts for conversations about the local decisions, laws, and policies responding to the environmental impacts of data center development in Ohio and beyond. Sessions will explore the roles of land use, zoning, community advocacy, judicial decision-making, and state policies in addressing data centers’ environmental effects and opportunities. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding data center development and valuable tools they can wield in their own communities. 

Whether you’ve been thinking about data centers for years, or you’re just now starting to consider their environmental impacts, we encourage you to join us in conversation on September 25, 2026.  

Pending certification by the Ohio Supreme Court, attorneys attending the Ohio Public Interest Environmental Law Conference will receive CLE credit (if they attend the entire day, partial credit is permissible). 

Join the Ohio Environmental Council and our Cleveland partners for an OEC meetup event at Rid-All Urban Farm, followed by a Pints and Policy happy hour at Goldhorn Brewery (1361 E 55th St, Cleveland, OH 44103).  This event is free and open to all.   

Rid-All Green Partnership is an exciting project that transformed vacant, blighted land into a thriving community green space, rooted in food access, educational and economic opportunity and community health. Randy McShepherd, co-founder of Rid-All Urban Farm, will lead a tour of the farm and we’ll learn more about the work OEC is doing in Cleveland along with the collective impact OEC and partners like Rid-All are making in the Cleveland Metro area. We hope you can join to celebrate what’s possible when we work together and foster connection for our common good!

*Attendees are welcome to come for as little or as long as you’d like.  

The OEC Emerging Leaders program invites you to Plant Swap and Picnic! Bring your extra plants and pots to swap with friends. We will also provide potting soil, snacks, and drinks!

The OEC’s Law Center Webinar Series is partnering up with Ohio Fair Court Alliance this summer for a three part webinar series on Fair Courts & the Environment.

Join us for the final session of our Fair Courts & The Environment summer series, Understanding the Intersection of State Agencies, the Courts & Your Utility Bills. State agencies like the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Ohio Power Siting Board, and others have their decisions appealed directly to the Ohio Supreme Court. This means judges elected by the people  of Ohio have a direct impact on your utility bills. Our featured panelists, Environmental Law and Policy Center’s Erica McConnell and the Ohio Environmental Council’s Chris Tavenor, will walk us through how utility bill cases end up before the Ohio Supreme Court, and how judges review those cases.

The OEC’s Law Center Webinar Series is partnering up with Ohio Fair Court Alliance this summer for a three part webinar series on Fair Courts & the Environment.

In our second part of our summer series, Fair Courts & The Environment, join us for Judges, Judicial Philosophy, & the Environment. We are excited to dive deeply into how environmental issues intersect with some of the thorniest judicial challenges, such as standing! Attorney Chris Tavenor from the Ohio Environmental Council and Professor Randi Leppla from the Case Western Environmental Law Clinic will walk us through the complexities of the rules of civil procedure and how philosophies like judicial temperament  impact why some environmental cases are successful and others are not.  Join us for an exciting discussion!

The OEC’s Law Center Webinar Series is partnering up with Ohio Fair Court Alliance this summer for a three part webinar series on Fair Courts & the Environment.

Do you want  to understand more about Ohio courts and environmental law and policy? Do you want to consider how the courts impact our environmental protections like air and water quality? Do you want to learn best practices for developing environmental cases? This is the webinar for you! Join attorneys Chris Tavenor from the Ohio Environmental Council and Addison Caruso from Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services as they discuss the different types of environmental litigation and how to pursue environmental protection through the courts in Ohio. This session is the first in our three-part summer series: Fair Courts & The Environment. We hope you can join us for all three sessions!

We hope you’ll join us at the 2026 Midwest Sustainability Summit, hosted by Green Umbrella on June 12th at the Sharonville Convention Center. 

As the keystone event of #CincinnatiClimateWeek, the Summit features nearly 100 speakers, 45 exhibitors, an art show, and live performances! 

The Summit serves as a spark for connecting and learning together, deepening our resolve, and celebrating collaborative climate solutions. This year’s theme, Adapt Today, Thrive Tomorrow, calls us to put resilience into practice, not only to withstand the shocks of our time but to evolve and thrive through them. 

Check out this year’s program at https://midwestsustainabilitysummit.org/ 

Join us for an in-person conference to discuss the impacts and intersections of data centers and Intel’s projects in Ohio. Lunch provided. OEC’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Spencer Dirrig, will be speaking at the Third Panel, titled “How can Ohioans hold the tech industry accountable?”

Panels include:

Panel #1: What is the impact on Ohio’s resources?

• Moderator: Molly Bryden, Climate and Sustainability Researcher, Policy Matters Ohio
• Madhumita Dutta, Associate Professor of Geography, Ohio State University
• Luke Sulfridge, Executive Director, Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC)
• Lenny Siegel, Executive Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
• Madison Hill, Deputy Director (Sustainability, Regulatory Compliance, and Policies), Columbus Water and Power

Panel #2: What are the real labor and workforce development opportunities?

• Moderator: Bailey Sandin, Work and Wages Researcher, Policy Matters Ohio
• Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary Treasurer, Columbus/Central Ohio Building Trades Council
• Pat Hook, Business Manager, IBEW Local 683
• Anibel Ferus-Comelo, Director, UC Berkley Labor Center
• Rand Wilson, Strategic Advisor, CHIPS Communities United

Panel #3: How can Ohioans hold the tech industry accountable?

• Moderator: Judith Barish, Coalition Director, CHIPS Communities United
• Addison Caruso, Staff Attorney, Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services
• Spencer Dirrig, Vice President of Government Affairs, Ohio Environmental Council
• Quintin Koger Kidd, Community Advocate, Wilmington, Ohio
• Fourth panelist to be announced

Join the Ohio Environmental Council for our next Action Briefing, a virtual event for OEC members to learn about the policies we are advancing and the actions you can take to make a difference.  

This program will examine data centers, what their accelerated growth means for Ohio, and what tools are available to empower communities.  

Hear from OEC’s Vice President of Government Affairs Spencer Dirrig for a discussion on: 

• Understanding what data centers are and their environmental impacts 

• Examining the rise of data centers in Ohio, and how their growth will impact our day to day 

• Current policies aimed at shaping data centers to prioritize sustainable growth 

• Practical tools available for communities that are facing incoming data center development.  

Already a member? Reach out to oec@theoec.org to access this event. 

About this event

Join Ohio Citizen Action and the Ohio Environmental Council for a webinar on March 30 at 6 PM. We are welcoming Karin Nordstrom to talk about the Ohio Power Siting Board’s process for utility-scale solar and the legal processes behind it. Can’t wait to see you there!

Free CLE and General Admission Tickets

How should Ohio evaluate whether large‑scale solar and other electric generation projects truly serve the public interest? 

Join the Ohio Environmental Council Law Center for a timely CLE webinar examining how Ohio’s legal and regulatory framework for utility‑scale electric generation siting has evolved over the past five years following the passage of SB 52—and where it may be headed next. 

This program will focus on current law and policy surrounding the siting of utility‑scale solar and other electric generation projects in Ohio, with particular attention to decisions issued by the Ohio Supreme Court and proceedings before the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB). Central to the discussion will be how both venues have interpreted and applied Ohio law requiring that projects serve the “public interest.” 

Join OEC General Counsel Chris Tavenor, OEC Senior Attorney for Clean Energy Karin Nordstrom, and OEC Managing Director of Energy Policy Nolan Rutschilling for a discussion on: 

• The current landscape of solar and electric generation project applications 

• Key case law and active litigation shaping OPSB decision‑making 

• Emerging trends—and inconsistencies—in public interest determinations 

• Policy opportunities to improve clarity, fairness, and predictability in the siting process 

The presentation will conclude with an interactive audience Q&A. 

The Ohio Environmental Council Emerging Leaders program invites you to Elevate Your Voice: Advocacy 201, an interactive training night designed to strengthen your skills, deepen your confidence, and help you make meaningful environmental change in your community.

Whether you’re stepping up from Advocacy 101 or joining for the first time, this session offers practical, hands‑on learning led by experienced organizers and policy experts. The night concludes with a conversation featuring Columbus City Councilmember Chris Wyche, who will share insights on how residents can engage effectively with local leaders.

We’re excited to launch our new Action Briefing virtual event series for OEC members. These briefings give you a chance to learn about the policies we’re advancing, how they affect your daily life, and the actions we can take together to build a cleaner, more affordable energy future.

Already a member? Reach out to oec@theoec.org to access this event. 

Join the Ohio Environmental Council and Rising Appalachia for an inaugural OEC meetup event at Solid Ground Farm and site of the future Sugar Creek Community Forest. This event will be family-friendly, with childcare and youth engagement provided by Rising Appalachia.

If you haven’t yet heard about the Community Forest, this is an exciting collaborative project that aims to bring together diverse partners including regional nonprofits, foundations, educational institutions, businesses, community members, and government officials to advance and share our work to grow a regenerative conservation/economic model right here in Appalachian Ohio. The Community Forest is grounded in regenerative land management practices, community input, and culturally appropriate economic opportunities. We’ll walk the Land together and learn about winter tree identification while also learning about opportunities to get involved. The Sugar Creek Community Forest is the first model of its kind in Ohio. We hope you can join to celebrate what’s possible when we work together and foster connection for our common good.

Program Overview

Twenty years ago, the Big Darby Accord marked a groundbreaking commitment to protect one of Ohio’s most ecologically significant waterways while guiding responsible regional growth. The Big Darby Creek, a Scenic River that is home to extraordinary fish and mussel diversity despite covering just one percent of the state’s land area, has long been a symbol of what collaboration can achieve. Today, as development pressures rise and new faces enter the planning process, much of the original inspiration and hard-earned lessons risk being forgotten.

This Environmental Professionals Network program is about more than policy. It is about reconnecting with the stories, values, and vision that shaped the Accord. Our panel will share firsthand experiences from those who helped craft the original agreement, revealing how scientists, planners, homebuilders, and conservationists worked together to balance competing interests. We will revisit pivotal moments—from early biodiversity discoveries to the tensions surrounding a failed proposal to make the Big Darby a National Wildlife Refuge—and explore why collaboration remains essential today.

On Saturday, May 9, step into the stunning Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Africa Events Center for an unforgettable evening celebrating Ohio’s environmental champions and the hopeful vision for a healthier, more resilient future.

This year’s theme, Hope in Action, celebrates the determination and perseverance to address urgent environmental challenges facing our state today. We honor our advocates, leaders, and community members who, every day, not only envision a healthier future for Ohio but also take meaningful actions to turn that vision into reality.  

Enjoy a lively cocktail hour with fellow advocates and environmental professionals, a buffet dinner, take part in a silent auction with unique prizes, and celebrate this year’s Environmental Achievement Award honorees.  

Most importantly, your presence at the Green Gala directly supports OEC’s mission to protect Ohio’s environment and empower thriving communities.  Join us for a special evening to champion bold action and help shape a cleaner, more resilient Ohio for today and future generations. 

We can’t wait to see you there! 

Member Ticket: $125 – Non-Member Ticket: $150 – Emerging Leaders Ticket: $75

Accessibility

The building has 6 handicap parking spaces in the front, and a short, paved walkway to the larger parking lot. To enter the building, there are 3-4 stairs and a ramp next to the stairs. The entry doorways are at least 32 inches across, and we offer a back patio experience with doorways that are also at least 32 inches across. The building offers chairs for sitting, and cocktail-style tables for standing. There are two restrooms with multiple stalls in each, and each restroom has one ADA standard restroom stall. The menu will be fully vegetarian, with gluten free and vegan entree options. Please let us know if you have other needs!

Join us for the OEC Emerging Leaders Happy Hour, where you’ll have the chance to network, share ideas, and celebrate the future of environmental leadership in Ohio. 

Date: Thursday, December 18
Time: 6–8:00 PM
Location: Seventh Son Brewing Co.
1101 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201

This is the perfect opportunity to expand your professional network, meet peers who share your passion for sustainability, and be part of a growing community of leaders shaping a greener future. 

For more than 55 years, the Ohio Environmental Council has stood strong through Ohio’s shifting environmental and political landscape. In moments of challenge and opportunity, we’ve held fast to our vision: a healthier, more sustainable Ohio for generations to come. 

Our work is rooted in action. Pragmatic policy advocacy, strategic legal victories, powerful coalitions, and community engagement. These efforts have moved Ohio forward on critical environmental issues, often against the odds. 

Today, with your support, we are not only resilient—we are hopeful. Hope drives us to act boldly for the future we all deserve. Join us at our Annual Meeting to celebrate what we’ve achieved together and to chart the course ahead. 

From protecting Ohio’s only National Forest to improving drinking water, from advancing clean energy to defending a fair and healthy democracy, the OEC continues to fight for all Ohioans. But the work is far from over. Together, we can turn hope into action and build a thriving Ohio for all. 

Date: December 17, 2025 
Time: Noon 
Cost: $25 for attorneys seeking 1 hour CLE credit; Free for general attendance 

 For decades, Ohio law has included the Air Nuisance Rule, an air pollution provision that allows fenceline communities to bring lawsuits against polluters for nuisances to their health and air quality. Over the past few years, industry has actively pursued removing the rule from Ohio law, and right now, it’s under threat more than ever. 

• Why does this Rule matter?  

• If it remains in force in Ohio law, how can Ohio communities use it to protect themselves against air pollution? 

 On December 17, join expert environmental plaintiffs attorneys Justin Newman and Dave Altman as they explore the history of the Air Nuisance Rule in Ohio, the cases that have used it to protect communities against air pollution, and the power it could have if it remains in force in Ohio.  

If you’re an attorney, learn about this important tool you could use to litigate on behalf of communities experiencing air pollution. If you’re an environmental advocate, understand why we must protect this tool in Ohio law.  

We look forward to having you join us for this important conversation. 

About the Speakers

Dave Altman, President and founding partner, AltmanNewman Co., LPA 

D. David Altman is President and the founding partner of AltmanNewman Co., LPA – a law firm in Cincinnati, Ohio that is dedicated to representing communities, environmental organizations, and individuals in groundbreaking environmental enforcement cases that seek to protect human health and the environment. 

Throughout his 50-year career, Dave has represented residents, business owners, cities and townships, solid waste districts, public water systems, and local and regional neighborhood and environmental organizations in groundbreaking damage suits, and law enforcing citizen suits that have had a lasting impact on environmental law. 

Dave’s leadership on the environment was already evident in the early 1970s when he served on the state task force that oversaw the startup of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and on Cincinnati’s environmental task force, which he chaired for four of its first ten years. He also served four terms as the environmental chair of the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers (now the Ohio Association for Justice) and chaired the Cincinnati’s Environmental Justice Working Group from 2005-2009. He has testified before the U.S. Congress and the Ohio General Assembly on environmental issues, including environmental secrecy and nuclear safety. 

Dave has continued to secure innovative environmental and law enforcement relief for clients including: allowing private citizens to use the federal Superfund cleanup law; resolving a fly ash disposal dispute with a community-wide settlement; getting residents with contaminated drinking water wells compensation and cleanup oversight under a federal consent decree; enforcing Clean Air Act violations and requiring cleanup of groundwater contamination and granting direct oversight rights to a city; forcing the entry of an improved federal consent decree requiring a sewer district to stop water pollution violations and establishing a first-of-its kind program to compensate victims of sewer backups; overturning a state’s permit decision for a landfill; obtaining consent decrees with citizen oversight for neighbors harmed by air pollution; and securing a liability finding against a chemical giant for contaminating a public water district’s wells with an unregulated, dangerous chemical. Dave has also been lead counsel in two plant explosion class actions, one of which led to independent, ongoing oversight by experts who report to the court and the class, and a medical program to monitor environmentally related health issues in the community. 

Today, Dave and his firm continue to pioneer the uses of groundbreaking technology to help citizens identify environmental threats — to win justice for people who have been harmed by pollution and are frustrated by inaction from an overburdened, underfunded, or unresponsive EPA. 

Justin D. Newman, Vice President and partner, Altman Newman Co., LPA 

Justin joined the firm as an associate in 2006 and became a name partner and Vice President of the firm in 2017. During that time, Justin has worked to enforce environmental laws on behalf of those affected by pollution, including private individuals, small businesses, and environmental and labor organizations. These cases have been pursued under a variety of environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. 

Justin is experienced in all aspects of complex litigation, from cross examining fact and expert witnesses to drafting and supervising the preparation of dispositive motions and appellate briefing – frequently on novel areas of environmental and tort law. He has particular skill and experience in tailoring litigation strategy to each client’s situation. 

His recent leadership has helped the firm achieve for its clients: (1) a groundbreaking tort decision holding a major chemical company liable for its contamination of a drinking water supply; (2) successful outcomes, including by trial, in cases involving sewer backups into homes; (3) the reversal and remand, on appeal, of a state air toxics rule, thereby requiring the agency to add toxic chemicals to the rule; and (4) a Clean Air Act decision ensuring that a citizen suit could proceed to resolution despite efforts to use a government order as a “bar.” 

Join us on Sunday, November 16, to protect one of the Midwest’s most biodiverse ecosystems, the Darby Watershed.  

Take a walk with experts who are on the front lines of defense to experience all that Darby has to offer. Following this, we will gather for a short information session to equip you with the civic engagement skills and knowledge that you need to support the watershed. 

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park – Nature Center 

1415 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119 
Sunday, November 16^th 
1pm-3pm 

The Darby Watershed is one of the most ecologically biodiverse waterways in the Midwest, making it a significant home to rare and endangered species. Biodiverse ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating and mitigating climate impacts. But today, this vital ecosystem is under an urgent threat. 

Nearly twenty years ago, ten local governments signed the Darby Accord: a promise to protect Ohio’s most biologically rich streams by creating 30,000 acres of conservation land, including 25,000 acres of public parkland.  

Currently, those same governments are contemplating revisions to the Accord that would open the door to more urban development. 

The Darby has faced danger before. In the 1960s and 1990s, the community opposed proposals to dam the creek and successfully defeated them. We have risen to the challenge before, and we will do it again, but the Darby needs YOU.