OEC Events

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.  

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.