February 7, 2026

From the Executive Director: Showing Up for Ohio’s Future

Hello Sierra Club Ohio Community,

Before diving into this month’s updates, I want to celebrate an important moment for our Chapter’s leadership. Congratulations to Melissa Lyons and Justin Thompson, who were elected by their fellow Executive Committee members to serve as Chair and Vice Chair. We’re grateful for their dedication and willingness to lead, and we look forward to the guidance and impact they will bring in the year ahead.

February is a month that calls us to reflect, recommit, and take action—together. Across Ohio, we continue facing enormous challenges: polluters pushing deeper into our public lands, corporate interests shaping decisions behind closed doors, and communities forced to fight for clean air, safe water, and accountable leadership. But month after month, I am reminded of
something stronger than all of that: people power.

Ohioans Took a Stand for Our State Parks and Natural Areas

On January 12, Ohioans showed exactly what people power looks like. For the first time in three years, the public was able to speak directly to the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission at a hearing on extending fracking leases from three years to five years.

Ohioans came ready with clear, informed testimony and a shared commitment to protecting the public lands that belong to all of us. This fight is far from over—but together, we are building the momentum needed to defend Ohio’s parks, wildlife areas, and natural spaces for generations to come.

Action Starts with Showing Up

That same spirit of engagement is reflected throughout this newsletter. I hope you’ll join us at the Ohio Chapter Issues Committee meeting on February 11 at 4:30 PM, where members and volunteers gather to discuss ongoing conservation priorities and campaigns. You can also review the Issues Committee update and slide deck linked in this issue to stay informed and plug in.

And if you’re ready to take the next step, please join us for our Volunteer Open House on February 19 at 6 PM. This is a chance to meet organizers and volunteers, connect with current campaigns across Ohio, and find an action role that matches your time and skills. Real change doesn’t happen on its own—it happens when people show up.

Building Chapter Power Through Leadership

This month, we are also recruiting volunteers to strengthen our Chapter’s foundation. You’ll find leadership opportunities and ways to get involved across our teams, including roles like Chapter Secretary, Compliance Officer, Fundraising Chair, Membership Chair, Finance support, and Communications and Issues Committee members. These volunteers help keep Sierra Club Ohio organized, effective, and ready to win—and training and templates are available.

The Work Is Big—And It’s Connected

The issues highlighted in this newsletter also show how interconnected our work is across the state. From the urgent need for public fast-charging stations in both urban and rural communities, to strategies for holding corporations accountable before climate disasters happen, Ohioans are stepping up to protect public health and demand responsible decision-making.

We’re also continuing to support communities organizing for accountability around data centers and noise pollution, and we are sharing tools to respond when electric utilities leave people confused and burdened by rising bills. These issues may look different on the surface, but they share the same root: communities deserve transparency, protection, and a voice.

And because long-term advocacy requires care and connection, we’ve included winter reminders and ways to stay grounded, active, and engaged—even during the hardest months. You are not alone in this work.

Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the legacy and lasting contributions of Black communities. At the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter, we know environmental protection and justice are inseparable. Black communities have long led movements for clean air, safe water, healthy neighborhoods, and fair treatment—often while facing disproportionate environmental harm.

To celebrate, we’re sharing our Black History Month Staff Picks, uplifting Black creators and highlighting the art and media that inspires, informs, and sustains us. We hope you’ll explore the list and support Black creators all year long.

Thank You for Being Part of This Movement

This newsletter reflects what makes Sierra Club Ohio strong: people who care, people who show up, and people who refuse to accept the status quo. Whether you’re attending a meeting, joining a committee, stepping into a leadership role, or bringing a friend to an event—your participation matters.

Thank you for everything you do to protect Ohio’s environment and build a more just future. Let’s keep showing up and moving forward—together.
In solidarity,

Ericka Copeland
Executive Director, Sierra Club Ohio

Chapter Executive Committee Elects
New Chair and Vice Chair

Congratulations to Melissa Lyons and Justin Thompson, who were elected by their colleagues on the Chapter’s Executive Committee to serve as Chair and Vice Chair.

We’re grateful for their leadership, dedication, and willingness to step into these roles. Their passion, commitment, and vision will strengthen our collective impact, and we are confident they will help guide and enrich the Chapter’s work in the year ahead.

Pictured: Melissa Lyons and Justin Thompson headshots

Pictured: Beautiful overview shot of Ohio Park. Photo by Michael Bowman on Unsplash

Ohioans Take a Stand to Protect Our State Parks and Natural Areas

The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission has allowed fracking leases under our parks and wildlife areas for years without any public input. On January 12, for the first time in three years, Ohioans had an opportunity to speak to the Commission at a public hearing to discuss the extension of fracking leases from three years to five years.

Ohioans showed up and took a stand against fracking on our public lands with impassioned and informed testimonies. Twenty-two people provided powerful statements against this extractive industry poisoning our state parks and natural areas. It was inspiring to hear the testimonies and heartening to be part of this event.

Despite the overwhelming opposition, the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved seventeen nominations and bids to frack under our public lands. This included 6,550 acres of Egypt Valley and Jockey Hollow wildlife areas. Additionally, they chose Grenadier Energy to frack 171 acres in the Leesville Wildlife Area.

No other state allows fracking under its state parks. We know that standing up to the oil and gas industry for our public lands in this state is a major uphill climb. But on January 12, we took another huge step forward—and we’re not backing down.

For updates and calls to action, please visit our partner’s website: Save Ohio Parks.

To read one testimony from January 12, click the link below.

Click Here to Read More

Pictured: Black History Month Graphic by Sierra Club

Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month Staff Picks

February is Black History Month: A time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the legacy, achievements, and enduring impact of Black people in the United States. It is also a time to reflect on the resilience and strength of Black communities whose contributions have shaped every part of our society—from art and education to science, culture, leadership, and social justice movements.

At Sierra Club Ohio, we know that environmental protection and community well-being are deeply connected to equity and justice. Black communities have long been at the forefront of movements demanding clean air, safe water, healthy neighborhoods, and fair treatment—often while bearing a disproportionate burden of pollution and environmental harm. Black History Month invites us to celebrate these contributions while recommitting ourselves to a future rooted in justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Why We’re Celebrating

The media and art we consume can create laughter, calm, connection, and even an escape from the stresses of life. This month, we’re intentionally uplifting and amplifying the work of Black creators—artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and storytellers whose work continues to inform, inspire, and shape culture.

Our Staff Picks

To honor Black History Month, Sierra Club Ohio staff members have put together a list of personal favorites featuring Black creators. We hope you enjoy these selections as much as we do—and we encourage you to support Black creators and Black-led stories all year long.

Now, here are our team’s Black History Month staff picks:

Our Staff Picks

Ohio Chapter Issues Committee — February Meeting

We’d love for you to join us at the Ohio Chapter Issues Committee’s monthly virtual meeting on Wednesday, February 11 at 4:30 pm.

This is a great opportunity to connect, learn about ongoing campaigns, and share your perspective. Please register in advance through our online Chapter Calendar below—meeting details will be sent after you sign up.

We hope to see you there!

Sierra Club Chapter Calendar

— Volunteer Open House:
February 19, 6 PM —

Show Up for the Future

Real change doesn’t happen on its own—it happens when people show up. Join Sierra Club’s Volunteer Open House on February 19th at 6 PM to learn how you can take action on clean energy, environmental justice, and climate accountability across Ohio. That’s why we’re inviting you to our Volunteer Open House on February 19 at 6 PM.

This is a great chance to:

Meet organizers and volunteers
Plug into real campaigns happening now in Ohio
Find a role that fits your time and skills

You don’t need experience—just a willingness to be part of the solution.

And bring a friend! One person taking action matters, but two people showing up together? That’s how we build power. Bring your questions, and bring your voice. RSVP, show up, and be part of the movement.

The climate fight needs you in the room. See you on February 19 at 6 PM

RSVP

Join the Ohio Chapter
Legislative Committee today!

We are actively recruiting members for the Chapter Legislative Committee to help us identify, analyze, track and communicate about proposed legislation, and what’s happening at the Ohio Statehouse.

Learn more about the Chapter Legislative Committee, including our 2025/26 Ohio Bill Tracker below, and contact Nathan Alley at nathan.alley@sierraclub.org to participate in an upcoming Legislative Committee meeting.

Ohio Bill Tracker

Become A Sierra Club
Outings Leader, And Help
Others Get Outside!

Do you love the outdoors? Are you up for a challenge? Nature is calling you to become a Sierra Club Outings Leader! Whether it’s a walk in a park, paddling on the Great Lakes, or enjoying a lunch outing in a state forest, the Sierra Club is committed to helping Ohioans “enjoy, explore and protect.”

As an Outings Leader, you will inspire a new generation of changemakers, build inclusive experiences, and teach others to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.

To learn more, attend our Open House on March 24 using the link below to register.

Chapter Calender

Plastic Pollution & What To Do About It

Please join the Sierra Club on Monday, April 6 for an online educational event and call to action regarding the problem of plastic pollution, and what you can do about it. In addition to covering Plastics 101, we will discuss strategies to reign in overconsumption and plastic waste, using examples from Ohio and beyond.

If you see the problems of plastic in your community, and you are ready to do something about it, this is your opportunity!

Please visit our online Chapter Calendar to register and learn more:

Link to Our Chapter Calendar

Pictured: Edited collage of participants and greenery with the text "The Great Ohio Climate March". Photo by: The Great Ohio Climate March

Join The Great Ohio Climate March

When: May 16-28, 2026 – participate in all or part of it!
Where: Southeast and Mid-Ohio, Athens to Salt Fork to Columbus
How: A detailed route map is coming soon!
Who: The Great Ohio Climate March is being organized by Third Act Ohio, with the help of many other organizational and individual friends
Why: To draw broad attention and public awareness to:

Fracking on Ohio public lands & parks
Ohio politicians making greedy deals with the oil & gas industry that have turned our beautiful state into a sacrifice zone
Environmental justice for Ohio communities
Impacts of the climate crisis globally, as well as in the US, Appalachia, and Ohio
The benefits to all Ohioans of clean, renewable energy

Scholarships: The Ohio Sierra Club offers young adults aged 18 – 30 scholarships to pay fees. Apply online by March 15 before registering: Awards for use at registration will be made before April 1, 2026

Click for Scholarship Application

Find more information and register for the Great Ohio Climate March here. And be on the lookout for Sierra Club outings in support of GOCM coming soon!

Ohio Chapter Issues Committee Update

The Issues Committee meets every month to discuss the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter’s conservation campaigns and priorities. These meetings are a great way to stay informed, share ideas, and help shape the chapter’s advocacy work.

A running slide deck used for the monthly meetings is available below.

Get involved by joining the next Issues Committee meeting on February 11 at 4:30 pm. The meeting link is available below.

Slide Deck Link

Pictured: EV Charging Station. Photo by Evnex Ltd on Unsplash

Public Fast-Charging Stations:
Why Urban and Rural Areas Need Them Now

Fast-charging isn’t a luxury—it’s essential climate infrastructure. Without widespread public charging, renters, rural residents, and working families are effectively shut out of clean transportation. From Cleveland neighborhoods to rural corridors, communities are being left behind while transportation emissions continue to rise.

Five Ways to Hold Corporations Accountable in Ohio Before a Climate Disaster Happens

Climate disasters don’t “just happen.” In Ohio, they’re often the result of weak permitting, rushed zoning decisions, and corporations operating with too little oversight. The good news: communities can intervene before harm occurs.

Why this matters in Ohio:
Read More Here

Data Centers & Noise Pollution: Ohio Communities Are Organizing for Accountability

Data centers are often marketed as job creators and economic development wins, but across Ohio, many communities are experiencing a very different reality. Residents living near large-scale data centers report constant low-frequency noise from cooling systems and backup generators—noise that runs day and night, disrupts sleep, elevates stress, and takes a real toll on health.⁵⁶

In Central Ohio, including communities in Licking County and the New Albany region, neighbors have raised concerns about persistent humming and vibration tied to large technology and data infrastructure projects. Read More Here

Pictured: A scenic view of powerlines in front of a sunset. Picture Credits: Unsplash

Is Your Electric Utility Gaslighting You?

If your electric bill keeps rising but your usage hasn’t changed, you’re not imagining things.

Utilities often hide behind confusing rate structures, vague “adjustments,” estimated meter readings, and complicated fees that make it nearly impossible for customers to tell what they’re really being charged for. And when you ask questions, the answer is often the same recycled script: seasonal demand, market conditions, fuel costs, inflation.

Translation: don’t blame us—blame yourself.

But this isn’t just about confusing bills. It’s about power—who controls the information, and who gets stuck paying the price. Most people can’t choose a different provider, so the system depends on silence and confusion to keep profits steady while households struggle.

What you can do

Track your usage (daily or weekly if possible)
Check if your bill was estimated vs. based on an actual meter reading
Compare your price per kWh month to month
Document everything (bills, screenshots, call notes)
File complaints with your utility and your state regulator

Why this is energy justice

Energy isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. When bills become unpredictable or unfair, people are forced into impossible choices: heat or groceries, lights or rent, power or medicine. That burden falls hardest on working families, seniors, renters, and communities already stretched thin.

Energy justice means transparency, accountability, and affordability—so no one is punished for simply trying to keep the lights on.

Sierra Club Ohio will keep fighting for an energy system that puts people first—cleaner, fairer, and fully transparent. Because energy should never be a mystery bill. It should be a public necessity delivered with honesty and accountability.

Join our Energy Subcommittee (Issues Committee) and help us hold utilities and regulators accountable while building a more just, sustainable energy future for Ohio.

S.A.D.? Four Things You Can Do
Around Ohio to Fight Back This Winter

1. Get outside to one of Ohio's parks and natural spaces
2. Volunteer with local community or environmental groups (Sierra Club Ohio is a great choice)
3. Attend public meetings and stay civically engaged
4. Stay active with others through movement or group activities
Winter isolation weakens movements, but action restores energy. Connection is resistance. Caring for your mental health sustains long-term climate action.

You are not alone—plug in and keep going.

Pictured: Graphic depicting the Earth with the words "Volunteer with Us"

Help Build the Chapter

—

Compliance, Membership, Communications, Finance, and Outings

Step into leadership and strengthen a just, people-powered environmental movement in Ohio.

Explore roles →

The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter is seeking passionate, committed volunteers to fill key leadership roles that will sharpen our work across the state.

If you care about clean air and water, thriving public lands, climate action, and a just, inclusive movement—we need you.

Please share these opportunities with friends, family, and your networks.
Together, we’ll build a vibrant, effective Chapter for the years ahead.

Open Leadership Roles

*New* Chapter Secretary: Sierra Club Ohio Chapter - Secretary Position Description

Maintain Chapter records, record Executive Committee meeting minutes, and support the nominating and elections committees to ensure all annual and special elections are completed.

Time Commitment

2-4 hrs/month
Executive Committee meets monthly for aprox. 2 hours

Training and templates provided.

Click Here to Apply to Chapter Secretary

Compliance Officer

Serve as Election Law Compliance Officer, advising the Chapter/Group on political activities to ensure compliance with state and local election laws and Sierra Club policies.

Time Commitment

varies, 4+ hrs/month, election season
Political Committee meets monthly for aprox. 2 hours

Training and templates provided.

Click Here to Apply to Compliance Officer

Fundraising Chair: Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Fundraising Chair Position Description

Lead our fundraising strategy—appeals, donor stewardship, and campaigns—so we can power more wins on climate and conservation across Ohio.

Membership Chair: Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Membership Chair Position

Grow and engage our community. Build welcoming pathways for new members, strengthen retention, and support volunteer onboarding with Groups and committees.

What you’ll get: training, templates, and staff support—plus a chance to make a real, statewide impact.

How to Apply —

Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Volunteer Intake Form

Join the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter’s Issues Committee

Help set Ohio’s environmental agenda

Pictured: Landscape image of government building with 2 American flags

Are you passionate about protecting Ohio’s air, land, and water—and ready to help guide our advocacy?

The Issues (Conservation) Committee shapes the Chapter’s programmatic and strategic direction and coordinates the work of subcommittees, networks, campaigns, and coalitions across the state.

Committee Structure:

Issues (Conservation) Chair
Issue Chairs: Energy • Land • Water • Air
Representatives from: Young Environmental Leaders, Legislative Committee, Grassroots Network
Chapter staff liaisons

We’re currently recruiting for:

Air Issue Lead (Chair)
Grassroots Network Representative
Young Environmental Leaders Representative

Add your voice and help build a healthier, more just Ohio!

Complete the Volunteer Intake Form to get started:

Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Volunteer Intake Form

Volunteer Finance Positions —

Help Steward Sierra Club Ohio Chapter's Resources

Support Sierra Club Ohio’s financial systems and help ensure the integrity and accuracy of our processes. We’re seeking mission-driven volunteers to strengthen our budgeting, reporting, and day-to-day bookkeeping so we can power more environmental wins across the state.

Open Roles:

Finance Committee Members

Volunteer Bookkeeper

Enter and categorize transactions; maintain documentation
Reconcile bank/credit accounts monthly; manage chart of accounts
Generate basic reports (P&L, balance, budget vs. actual)
Ideal skills: QuickBooks Online (or similar), attention to detail, Google Workspace

Time Commitment

Bookkeeper: ~4–6 hrs/month
Brief monthly check-in with staff/lead volunteers

Training and templates provided.

Ready to help?
Apply for Bookkeeper →

Click Here to Apply for Bookkeeper

Join the Communications Committee — Help Tell the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter’s Story

Committee members needed!

Are you a storyteller, designer, strategist, or social media whiz who wants to make a real impact in Ohio?

The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter’s Communications’ needs are growing—And we’d love your voice, skills, and ideas!

What you’ll do:

Grow our social channels and engage supporters

Write/edit compelling newsletter, web, and campaign copy

Create graphics, short videos, and photo stories

Support event communications (toolkits, promotion, live updates)

Lift up environmental justice and conservation wins across the state

Who you are:

A writer, designer, photographer, videographer, or organizer—or simply eager to learn

Collaborative, reliable, and excited to center community voices

All experience levels welcome; training and templates provided

Be the voice of change!

Get involved:

Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Volunteer Intake Form

JOIN the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter —
TAKE ACTION FOR OHIO TODAY!

If you’re not a Member yet, now is the moment.

Ohio’s air, water, climate, and communities need powerful advocates — and your membership helps fuel this work.

This is your chance to step in, stand up, and strengthen a people-powered movement for real environmental change.

Your Membership Directly Supports:
Clean energy campaigns
Water protection + Lake Erie resilience
Forest and habitat conservation
Sustainable transit + climate-ready cities
Environmental justice in frontline communities
Outdoors for All and local Outings programs

Already a Member? Multiply Your Impact.

Invite one person — a friend, coworker, neighbor — to join us.
Just one new member can amplify our voice in policy fights that shape Ohio’s future.

Why It’s Urgent

Polluters and bad actors are more organized — and better funded — than ever.
To win clean energy, clean air, and climate justice in Ohio, we need a bigger, stronger movement.

Membership = Power.
Membership = Protection.
Membership = Action.

Make the Move. Make it Today.

Become a Member — or invite someone to join.

Your action fuels the campaigns, the organizing, and the victories Ohio needs right now.

JOIN NOW!
SHARE WITH A FRIEND

Join the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Today

Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Mailing Address

Please direct all correspondence, donations, and other mail to:

PO Box 37269
Cincinnati, OH 45222-0269

Please take a moment to update your address book so we stay connected—and so your donations and messages reach us without delay. We’re grateful for your continued support as we join forces to safeguard Ohio’s environment!

Thank you for helping us keep our records up to date.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

You're the Heart of This Movement — Thank You!
Every action you take brings us closer to environmental justice for all.
Your commitment makes our progress possible. We’re excited to connect with you through our campaigns and continue advancing our shared mission for a cleaner, greener Ohio.

Ready to take the next step? Sign up volunteer with us or join one of our upcoming events!

February 2026 Newsletter

From the Executive Director: Showing Up for Ohio’s Future

Ohioans Took a Stand for Our State Parks and Natural Areas

Action Starts with Showing Up

Building Chapter Power Through Leadership

The Work Is Big—And It’s Connected

Celebrating Black History Month

Thank You for Being Part of This Movement

Chapter Executive Committee ElectsNew Chair and Vice Chair

Ohioans Take a Stand to Protect Our State Parks and Natural Areas

Celebrating Black History MonthBlack History Month Staff Picks

Ohio Chapter Issues Committee — February Meeting

— Volunteer Open House:February 19, 6 PM — Show Up for the Future

Join the Ohio ChapterLegislative Committee today!

Become A Sierra ClubOutings Leader, And HelpOthers Get Outside!

Plastic Pollution & What To Do About It

Join The Great Ohio Climate March

Ohio Chapter Issues Committee Update

Public Fast-Charging Stations: Why Urban and Rural Areas Need Them Now

Five Ways to Hold Corporations Accountable in Ohio Before a Climate Disaster Happens

Data Centers & Noise Pollution: Ohio Communities Are Organizing for Accountability

Is Your Electric Utility Gaslighting You?

S.A.D.? Four Things You Can DoAround Ohio to Fight Back This Winter

Help Build the Chapter—

Compliance, Membership, Communications, Finance, and Outings

Explore roles →

Open Leadership Roles

Join the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter’s Issues Committee

Help set Ohio’s environmental agenda

Volunteer Finance Positions —Help Steward Sierra Club Ohio Chapter's Resources

Join the Communications Committee — Help Tell the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter’s Story

JOIN the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter —TAKE ACTION FOR OHIO TODAY!

Already a Member? Multiply Your Impact.

Why It’s Urgent

Make the Move. Make it Today.

Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Mailing Address

Sign up to receive our Newsletter by Email!

Chapter Executive Committee Elects
New Chair and Vice Chair

Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month Staff Picks

— Volunteer Open House:
February 19, 6 PM —

Show Up for the Future

Join the Ohio Chapter
Legislative Committee today!

Become A Sierra Club
Outings Leader, And Help
Others Get Outside!

Public Fast-Charging Stations:
Why Urban and Rural Areas Need Them Now

S.A.D.? Four Things You Can Do
Around Ohio to Fight Back This Winter

Help Build the Chapter

—

Volunteer Finance Positions —

Help Steward Sierra Club Ohio Chapter's Resources

JOIN the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter —
TAKE ACTION FOR OHIO TODAY!