Ohio

Air quality bonds in Ohio are primarily associated with the efforts of the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA), a state agency focused on improving air quality while supporting economic growth. The OAQDA issues bonds to finance projects that enhance air quality, such as pollution control, energy efficiency upgrades, and renewable energy initiatives. These bonds provide businesses and communities with the capital needed to adopt cleaner technologies and comply with environmental regulations.

For example, the OAQDA has supported projects like helping a small business in Tuscarawas County replace equipment to eliminate a harmful solvent, issuing nearly $87,000 in bonds and a $17,358 grant for safer dry-cleaning machines. On a larger scale, it has financed initiatives like the $70 million Aurora Solar project in Van Wert County, a utility-scale solar facility aimed at reducing emissions. The agency manages a portfolio of $2.7 billion in outstanding bonds for clean air projects statewide.

A notable program is the OAQDA's Green Bonds initiative, launched in 2021, which aligns with international standards to attract investors interested in sustainable development. These bonds fund projects like renewable energy (e.g., wind and solar) and energy-efficient infrastructure, offering both environmental benefits and economic opportunities, such as job creation—over 800 jobs created and 7,000 preserved in the last five years alone.

The OAQDA's authority stems from Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3706, enabling it to issue bonds, provide grants, and support a range of air quality improvements. This dual focus on environmental health and economic vitality reflects Ohio's broader strategy to address its industrial history of air pollution while fostering modern, sustainable growth.

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
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