Mark Shanahan, energy advisor to the democratic Governor of Ohio, Ted Strickland, explains the state’s strategy for transitioning to a low-carbon economy and creating thousands of new jobs. Building on Ohio’s tradition in manufacturing, the state seeks to provide incentives for companies and workers to consider production in the field of renewable energies such as solar and wind. First companies that are shifting to the new field, proof the future potential of the new economic strategy.

Watch the interview here.

This interview has been conducted in preparation of the Midwestern Green Jobs Project 2010. In cooperation with the Blue Green Alliance, this project discusses current and future policy measures for the transition to a low-carbon economy and the creation of green jobs. From July 12-16, 2010 the Midwestern Green Jobs Tour will lead to Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan and Ohio. By sharing experiences from European states, such as North-Rhine-Westphalia, the former German industry stronghold, the dialogue will provide state legislators, union -, environment-, faith-, business- and other local leaders with best policy examples allowing to strengthen economic and political strategies for creating permanent jobs in the low-carbon economy. After the tour a report with policy recommendations will be commissioned and presented at a briefing in Washington, DC.

For more information contact Mr. Till Kötter at till@boell.org

This project is supported by the European Commission. The EC is not responsible for the content of the project.