Biobutanol, anaerobic digestors, hydrogen, wind, solar, fuel-cell, and plug-in electric vehicles — there’s a seemingly endless list of alternative power sources at all stages of development … in Ohio.
Yes, Ohio, where images of rust belts, factory closings, and rising unemployment too often come to mind. The Pew Charitable Trusts have recognized the state as one of the nation’s most successful new energy job-generators. The nation’s breadbox is transforming itself into America’s fuel pump — and not a moment too soon for our economy and environment.
There’s a rich irony to Ohio and the Midwest winning the sustainable transportation race. We all recognize the fact that cheap fossil fuels have been a major cause of American manufacturing jobs loss. The technological breakthroughs, trade liberalization, and economic and political realities that have flattened the world have been largely driven by low energy costs. For example, iron ore mined in Brazil is shipped to China, where finished steel is produced and then shipped to the U.S. and other global markets for sale and use.
So, in effect, rising fuel prices repres... Read more
