OEC Events

September 21, 2025

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Corban Commons

3426 Corban Commons Drive

Columbus, OH  43219

Event Description: In honor of Sun Day, Third Act Ohio and Save Ohio Parks will co-host an information session and community celebration at Corban Commons, an affordable senior living center in Columbus that recently added a large rooftop and groundmount solar array.

The event will feature speakers on different Ohio-specific solar challenges and opportunities, including the potential for industrial-scale solar, agrivoltaics, and community solar legislation.  In addition, local environmental groups will highlight opportunities to get involved, children can participate in art activities, and snacks will be provided.  

Sun Day is a Global Day of Action on September 21, 2025, celebrating the unstoppable rise of clean energy and the movement to leave fossil fuels behind. Timed with the fall equinox—a moment of transition—we’ll come together to showcase the power of the sun and wind, the energy sources that can power our world without pollution or profiteering.

There is no such thing as an off-year election. Local elections make a powerful impact on climate resiliency. While we see our federal government roll back protections for our environment and democracy, Ohioans have the power to stand up – starting in our own cities and towns. In this month’s workshop, where we’ll talk about how to build relational power right where we are and the tools we have to make an impact.  

Do you have questions about your membership status? Reach out to Membership Engagement Officer, Lainie Rini, at LRini@theoec.org. 

Have your electricity bills been going up lately? ☀️ 🔋 🏡 Do you feel confused or frustrated about your rising energy costs? Join us for a FREE four-part web series this August to November to talk about everything electricity! Learn how the electric grid works, what our utility bill covers, and what we can do to manage our bills.

We’ll be holding the first session on Wednesday, August 13, at 7 p.m. ET. After that, there will be one session per month. Here’s a look at what we’ll cover 

• Wednesday, August 13 — From source to socket: tracing your home’s electricity Learn how the electric grid has worked for decades, and how it is changing to meet today’s needs. The aim is to help you understand the system your home relies on, and show how your daily activities connect to larger energy infrastructure. 

• Tuesday, September 2 — Decoding your bill: what are you paying for? This session dives into the utility bill itself. We’ll break down a typical bill, explaining each section — usage, delivery charges, taxes, and fees — so you can see exactly where your money goes. 

• Wednesday, October 1 — Smart choices for your home: easy ways to save energy and money The easiest way to manage your utility bills is by using less energy. We will talk about ways you can save money with simple fixes to make your living space more energy efficient.  Virtual or in person at Columbus Metropolitan Library: Hilliard Branch (4500 Hickory Chase Way Hilliard, OH 43206)

• Thursday, November 6 — Neighborhood power: working together for energy savings  You have a say in the policies and decisions made about our electricity prices. This session will discuss ways to advocate for better energy policies and fight against rate increases. 

Ohio is preparing to draw new congressional maps this year. The Ohio Environmental Council has invited Peter Miller with the Brennan Center for Justice to provide an in-depth dive into redistricting at the national level and its relationship to Ohio’s upcoming redistricting process. His discussion will both review recent litigation nationwide and the data-driven analysis relevant to future redistricting across the country.

Tickets

General Admission Tickets: Free

Attorney Tickets: $25 registration fee for attorneys, eligible for CLE credit

Law Conference + Webinar Attorney Ticket: $100, eligible for CLE credit for both events (Buy a Law Conference Ticket get this webinar free!) Learn more about the Law Conference agenda.

Speakers

Peter Miller is a senior research fellow at the Brennan Center focusing on redistricting, voting rights, and elections. He has published more than twenty peer-reviewed studies on U.S. and comparative politics, voting behavior, political institutions, and public opinion. One of his articles on redistricting commissions was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court in Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. He was previously a 2016–2017 Fulbright Scholar at Tampere University in Finland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Reed College and a doctorate and a master’s degree in political science from the University of California, Irvine.

As General Counsel, Chris Tavenor leads the OEC’s Law Center while providing essential legal support to the entire organization. They also coordinate the annual Ohio Public Interest Environmental Law Conference and our legal internship program.

Over their time with the OEC, Chris has represented the organization before the Ohio Supreme Court, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Ohio Power Siting Board, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Environmental Review Appeals Commission, and beyond. They have drafted numerous regulatory comments, testimony, and other publications in pursuit of a healthy environment for all who call Ohio home. In working toward a healthy democracy, they led the OEC’s fight for a fair redistricting process in 2021 as a member of the Ohio Citizens’ Redistricting Commission.

Chris studied Philosophy and English at the Ohio State University and graduated from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in May 2017. Beyond their work as an attorney and advocate at the OEC, they are also a science fiction and fantasy author, publishing works under the name “C.D. Tavenor.” Their most recent project includes a climate fiction anthology titled “The World’s Revolution,” developed in collaboration with fifteen other authors.

Recent Federal and State policies have negatively impacted the work of environmental agencies and organizations. Join us for a presentation by the Ohio Environmental Council to understand how these policies impact the future of sustainability initiatives in Ohio and what we can do locally to advocate for a healthier environment.

About the Ohio Environmental Council:

For more than 55 years, the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) has advocated for a healthier environment for all who call Ohio home. Through persistence and partnership, the OEC has made progress to address the most pressing environmental and climate issues facing Ohio communities. From resounding victories at the ballot box to important policy and legal wins, our advocacy and engagement efforts are making a difference. 

The OEC is part of a family of statewide organizations that work to secure the vision of a clean, healthy Ohio where our democracy empowers all communities to thrive in harmony with the environment.

The OEC works to fulfill its vision of “A clean, healthy Ohio where our democracy empowers all communities to thrive in harmony with the environment,” through its Climate, Energy, Public Lands, Water, Democracy, Law Center, and Field Advocacy programs.

About the Presenters:

As Central Ohio Regional Director, Annalisa Rocca, leads local engagement and drives community-based environmental initiatives throughout the Central Ohio region. In this role, she connects residents, advocates, and policymakers to advance climate, conservation, and environmental justice priorities at the local level.

Annalisa previously served as the organization’s Drinking Water Manager, leading statewide policy efforts to protect access to safe and affordable drinking water. She holds a degree in Environmental Economics and Management from Michigan State University.

This year, we are excited to offer our members a Civic Engagement Series! This is a bi-monthly virtual series designed to connect our community and build the tools and resources that you can use to build for change in your community and your state.

This month, you will gain a deeper understanding of the redistricting process in Ohio and the best actions to make an impact and learn about the power of using your voice and the best practices to advocate for change.

This event is free to members who have given $35 and up annually. If unsure about membership status, email LRini@theoec.org

Join us for an immersive experience in Ohio’s natural beauty and biodiversity! Forage & Flourish is a unique event that brings together nature lovers, environmental advocates, and curious minds for a day of learning, exploring, and tasting the richness of our native lands.

What to Expect:

• Engaging Talks: Learn from expert forager Lorenzo Tavani and OEC’s Molly Jo Stanley about Ohio’s native plants and the value of our public lands.
• Guided Hike: Explore the trails with Lorenzo and Molly Jo as they highlight edible (and not-so-edible) native plants.
• Local Treats: Wrap up with a special foraged snack prepared by Lorenzo using native Ohio ingredients.

Spots are limited, so be sure to register early!

Does your organization host interns or seasonal employees? Do you know a young adult looking to pursue a career in a water-related field? All are invited to attend our upcoming Fresh Water Institute emerging water leaders networking event!  

At the event, participants will learn about Northeast Ohio’s growing water economy – including professional development and career opportunities across sectors. The event will kick off with a panel discussion featuring a variety of professionals working in water-related careers and conclude with an informal networking opportunity. This event is open to all; registration is required.  

Working in Water
Career Panel & Networking Event for Emerging Water Leaders
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 
3 – 4:30 PM 
Cuyahoga County Headquarters

 

Sun Day is a day of action on September 21, 2025, celebrating solar and wind power, and the movement to leave fossil fuels behind.

Solar energy is now the cheapest source of power on the planet – and gives us a chance to actually do something about the climate crisis. But fossil fuel billionaires are doing everything they can to shut it down.

We will build, rally, sing, and come together in the communities that we need to get laws changed and work done.

Host Your Own Event!

These events are created to be an easy way to engage your community on solar. If you don’t see an event in your area, consider hosting your own! They can be as simple as a table set up at some pre-existing event or as elaborate as a solar oriented fair or rally.

On July 23, Sun Day will have its big national rollout at a webinar from 6 to 7 PM featuring Bill McKibben and other national environmental leaders to learn more about the event.

Sun Days Events Near You

Cleveland

Third Act Sun Day tabling highlighting solar and including kids’ art activities at the Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival, Sept, 20 and 21.

Middlefield

Sun Day Tabling at Annual Honey Bee Festival at John’s Country Nursery

Yellow Springs

Third Act Sun Day solar powering bands at the annual Yellow Springs Porchfest, Saturday, Sept. 20.

Athens

Sun Day tabling in conjunction with Save Ohio Parks at the Pawpaw Festival, September 12-14

Cincinnati

Sun Day Song and Solar Festival at Cincinnati’s new Public Radio building, 2117 Dana Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45207, 1-5 PM, September 21 featuring Tabling by solar and environmental organizations, Musical performances, Kids’ solar arts and crafts activities – Open House.

Columbus

On September 21st at 2:30-4:30 Columbus’ Sun Day event will be at Corban Commons, 3426 Corban Commons Dr. Columbus, OH 43219 2:30-4:30 PM. Corban Commons has installed solar at their affordable housing senior facility and there will be speakers and tabling on current solar efforts in Ohio.

We need bold, transformative reforms that would reduce the influence of big money in politics, ensure our freedom to vote, and guarantee that congressional districts are drawn to give fair representation for all. Join us for a community round table to talk about the importance of working to pass pro-democracy legislation like the Freedom to Vote Act and keep legislation like the SAVE Act from going past the Chamber door!

This spring, the Ohio General Assembly passed HB 15, which transforms energy policy in significant ways. In this webinar, energy policy experts from DickinsonWright and the Ohio Environmental Council will overview the legislation, what it means for energy policy in Ohio, and what it means for regular Ohioans and how they relate to how they get electricity.

General admission is free.

Attorneys looking for CLE credits can purchase a ticket for $25.*
*Pending Supreme Court approval

Kevin Shimp: An attorney in the firm’s Columbus office, Kevin Shimp focuses his practice on government affairs at the Ohio Statehouse with a particular emphasis on technology, energy, and business issues including insurance law, workers’ compensation, and employment law. In addition, Kevin advocates for policy changes before the Governor’s Office and state executive agencies, assists clients facing regulatory enforcement actions, and provides association management services to small and mid-size trade organizations.

Before joining Dickinson Wright, Kevin served as the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s General Counsel and Director of Labor & Legal Affairs. In this role, he worked with the business community, legislators, and government officials to advance the Ohio Chamber’s pro-growth agenda.

Chris Tavenor: As General Counsel, Chris Tavenor leads the OEC’s Law Center while providing essential legal support to the entire organization. They also coordinate the annual Ohio Public Interest Environmental Law Conference and our legal internship program.

Over their time with the OEC, Chris has represented the organization before the Ohio Supreme Court, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Ohio Power Siting Board, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Environmental Review Appeals Commission, and beyond. They have drafted numerous regulatory comments, testimony, and other publications in pursuit of a healthy environment for all who call Ohio home. In working toward a healthy democracy, they led the OEC’s fight for a fair redistricting process in 2021 as a member of the Ohio Citizens’ Redistricting Commission.

Chris studied Philosophy and English at the Ohio State University and graduated from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in May 2017. Beyond their work as an attorney and advocate at the OEC, they are also a science fiction and fantasy author, publishing works under the name “C.D. Tavenor.” Their most recent project includes a climate fiction anthology titled “The World’s Revolution,” developed in collaboration with fifteen other authors.

This year, we are excited to offer our members a Civic Engagement Series!  This is a bi-monthly virtual series designed to connect our community and build the tools and resources that you can use to build for change in your community and your state. 

In this series, you will learn about the fights that lay ahead in Ohio for our environment and our democracy, hear success stories, and learn about how you can use your voice to enact change right here and now. When you register, you are signing up for the whole series. Please save the dates!

This event is free to members who have given $35 and up annually. If unsure about membership status, email LRini@theoec.org

Step up and make a difference this Earth Month with the OEC Emerging Leaders! Join us and the Grange Insurance Audubon Center on Wednesday, April 16th, at 5:30 pm as we celebrate Central Ohio’s native bird habitat by helping to clean up. 

Join us to help remove invasive plant species at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Following this, we will gather to learn about invasive species and the importance of native plants for birds.

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What to Know

Tools, gloves, snacks, and water will be provided by Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Please wear closed-toed shoes and long pants. 

To ensure that we have the appropriate supplies available on-site, please be sure to register at this link as soon as possible.

This year, we are excited to offer our members a Civic Engagement Series!  This is a bi-monthly virtual series designed to connect our community and build the tools and resources that you can use to build for change in your community and your state. 

In this series, you will learn about the fights that lay ahead in Ohio for our environment and our democracy, hear success stories, and learn about how you can use your voice to enact change right here and now. When you register, you are signing up for the whole series. Please save the dates!

This event is free to members who have given $35 and up annually. If unsure about membership status, email LRini@theoec.org

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This year, we are excited to offer our members a Civic Engagement Series!  This is a bi-monthly virtual series designed to connect our community and build the tools and resources that you can use to build for change in your community and your state. 

In this series, you will learn about the fights that lay ahead in Ohio for our environment and our democracy, hear success stories, and learn about how you can use your voice to enact change right here and now. When you register, you are signing up for the whole series. Please save the dates!

This event is free to members who have given $35 and up annually. If unsure about membership status, email LRini@theoec.org

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On Saturday, May 17, step into the stunning Columbus Zoo Africa Events Center for an unforgettable evening celebrating Ohio’s environmental champions and the bold vision for a healthier, more resilient future.

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

This year’s theme, Bold Resilience, highlights the courage and commitment needed to address the urgent environmental challenges facing our communities today. Together, we will honor leaders driving meaningful change and inspire the next wave of environmental action.

Enjoy a lively cocktail hour with fellow advocates and environmental professionals, take part in a silent auction with unique prizes, savor a delectable dinner, and celebrate this year’s Environmental Achievement Award honorees. Throughout the evening, immerse yourself in vibrant entertainment and engage with others who share a passion for protecting Ohio’s air, land, and water.

Most importantly, your presence at the Green Gala directly supports OEC’s mission to ensure a healthy environment for all Ohioans. Join us for an evening of bold celebration and enduring impact as we work together to build a stronger, greener Ohio now and for generations to come.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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Are you ready to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to a healthier, more resilient Ohio?

Sponsoring the Ohio Environmental Council’s 2025 Green Gala is a powerful way to showcase your support for bold environmental impact while connecting with hundreds of passionate advocates, professionals, and community leaders.

As a sponsor, your partnership will help drive critical efforts to protect Ohio’s air, water, and natural spaces, and you’ll gain valuable visibility among a highly engaged audience. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and the benefits of partnering with us, please follow the link below.

For 55 years, the OEC has navigated Ohio’s dynamic, and at times turbulent, environmental and political landscape. No matter the challenges or opportunities in front of us, we’ve stayed true to our values. Through pragmatic policy advocacy, strategic legal battles, deep coalition building, and public engagement, we’ve moved Ohio forward on key environmental issues — often against the odds. 

Today, with the support of members like you, the OEC remains resilient and resolute in our fight for a healthy environment for all who call Ohio home. We invite you to join us for our Annual Meeting to hear about our recent successes and our plans ahead.

From protecting Ohio’s only National Forest to improving our drinking water, from securing approval of Ohio’s largest solar installation to fighting for a fair and healthy democracy — the OEC has been hard at work this year. We have big plans for the year ahead and your support is a meaningful part of how we achieve these successes together.

Thank you for your support of OEC’s  important work. As we close out this year, please consider making a donation today to invest in our mission.

Thanks to all who joined the Ohio Environmental Council and the Environmental Professionals Network at the 2024 Ohio Public Interest Environmental Law Conference focused on “Protecting the Spaces and Places of Ohio’s Environment.”

Understanding Governance of of Emerging Contaminants and Environmental Risks in Our Communities

For this session, three panelists will come together to discuss governance of emerging contaminants and environmental risks for communities in Ohio and beyond. Both the risks of PFAS and the emergency response to events like the train derailment in East Palestine present different challenges for legal and policy systems. From their different perspectives on these issues, our panelists will provide insight into what lessons we can learn from these two different environmental concerns.

Speakers:
Haley Shoemaker, MS, extension educator, Ohio Farm Business Analysis and Benchmarking Program, Ohio State University Extension
Zhiyong Xia, PhD, senior technical director, PFAS Practice, GHD
Daniel Lee, environmental engineer and environmental protection specialist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Land and Emergency Management

Moderator:
Miranda Leppla, Director of the Environmental Law Clinic at Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Two Decades of the Darby Accord

The Big Darby Accord consists of local governments within the Franklin County area of the Big Darby Creek Watershed. The mission of the Big Darby Accord is to cooperatively develop a multi-jurisdictional plan and accompanying preservation and growth strategies, capable of implementation, oversight, and enforcement. In this session, attendees will learn about this multijurisdictional agreement, its limitations, and how jurisdictions currently approach its operation.

Speakers:
Cynthia Vermillion, Hilliard City Council member
Chris Wyche, Columbus City Council member
John Tetzloff, President, Darby Creek Association

Creative Innovations in Utility Scale Solar Siting

Utility-scale solar has significantly increased its footprint in Ohio over the past few years, all while many counties across the state have also taken action to oppose solar under Senate Bill 52. Solar developers are proposing innovative solutions to account for local opposition and to create better proposals before the Ohio Siting Board. Three experts in the field of utility scale solar will discuss the current state of affairs before the Ohio Power Siting Board as well as the innovative solutions proposed by developers to make projects more creatively benefit the public interest.

Speakers:
Tony Logan, Principal Consultant, Agrivoltaics, LLC, and CEO of The Renewables Space, LLC
Sarah Conley, Director of Operations and Development, Solar and Storage Industries Institute
Kara Hernstein, Partner, BrickerGraydon

Recent Major Changes to NEPA and the CEQ Rules and their Impact on Ohio’s only National Forest

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is often described as the “Magna Carta” of federal environmental law. This bedrock environmental statute and its implementing rules have undergone major changes during the Trump and Biden Administrations. The panel will discuss these changes and, for local context, will touch on proposed fracking in Ohio’s national forest.

Speakers:
Nathan Johnson, OEC Senior Attorney for Land and Water
Paul Sanford, Director of Policy Analysis, The Wilderness Society

The Role of Judges in Environmental Law and the Procedure of Standing

The legal doctrine of “standing” underpins the jurisdiction of judges to hear cases in their courtrooms. At both the Ohio Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court, a variety of cases have impacted how individuals and organizations can bring lawsuits in the environmental context. This lunchtime panel will focus the discussion on what factors judges consider when making decisions on standing, especially in light of recent precedent—as well as a discussion of the information necessary for judges to determine standing in certain complex environmental litigation contexts.

Speakers:
Trent Dougherty, Partner, HubayDougherty
Heidi Robertson, Steven W. Percy Endowed Professor of Law and Urban Affairs, CSU|LAW at Cleveland State University
Miranda Leppla, Director of the Environmental Law Clinic at Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Toxic Secrecy Disabling the Practice of Medicine

This panel will trace the arc and evolution of community right to know to the unfettered expansion of toxic secrecy to such an extent that secrecy is disabling the ability of medical professionals to take complete and meaningful medical histories of and provide diagnoses to those suffering environmental exposure. This topic will discuss how exposure information is needed for accurate medical diagnoses, explore real life case studies on how toxic secrecy has and is adversely impacting the future of Ohio communities, and offer multiple legislative solutions to counter the expansion of toxic secrecy.

Speakers: 
D. Dave Altman, President and founding partner, AltmanNewman Co., LPA
Justin D. Newman, Vice President and partner, Altman Newman Co., LPA
Dr. William Auberle
Dr. Erin Haynes

Words Matter: Addressing Harmful and Derogatory Place Names

The names we give to places matter. There is growing acknowledgement that many place names across the U.S. are derogatory and hurtful, and some are worth challenging and replacing. In the context of Ohio, our currently only National Forest has its name currently under reconsideration through administrative processes conducted by the U.S. Forest Service. This panel explores the history of place names; the harms enshrined and perpetuated by these names; the processes by which these names are being addressed, challenged, and changed; and the opportunity for healing, inclusion, and justice that can come from shared efforts to do better.

Speakers:
Jessica Lambert, High Meadows Fellow, The Wilderness Society
Molly Jo Stanley, Southeast Ohio Regional Director, Ohio Environmental Council

Save Ohio Parks and the Fight against Fossil Fuels on Public Lands

This presentation will focus on two lawsuits challenging the leasing of Ohio’s public lands for oil and gas development: 1) a constitutional challenge to H.B. 507—a bill about poultry that rapidly and clandestinely became a bill mandating the leasing of public lands to oil and gas companies and labeling fracked gas as “green” energy; and 2) an appeal under Ohio’s Administrative Procedure Act of the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission’s decision to open Salt Fork State Park—Ohio’s largest state park—for drilling. The presentation will discuss the legal theories raised by these cases, their significance, and the current status of the litigation. The discussion will also feature discussion from two representatives of one of the plaintiff organizations, Save Ohio Parks, about what comes next in policy fights surrounding oil and gas issues and public lands.

Speakers:
Megan Hunter, Supervising Senior Attorney, Earthjustice
Cathy Cowan Becker, Co-Founder and Steering Committee Member, Save Ohio Parks
Roxanne Groff, Co-Founder and Steering Committee Member, Save Ohio Parks