Ohio is becoming a focal point in the fight against climate change, thanks in part to its industrial might and a growing interest in carbon capture technology.

As the state looks to balance its economic needs with environmental responsibility, carbon capture utilization and storage is emerging as a critical tool. Critics of carbon capture voice concerns it could prolong the use of fossil fuels.

Simone Stewart, senior industrial policy specialist for the Climate and Energy program at the National Wildlife Federation, said in industrial states like Ohio, the technology will be important to curb the effects of carbon emissions.

"There's a big industrial component to their economies but at the same time, we want to act on climate action and address the climate crisis," Stewart pointed out. "We can't continue to emit CO2, so this allows us an alternative pathway."

Ohio's heavy industries, especially in manufacturing and raw materials, are both a strength and a challenge. Stewart acknowledged the sectors are hard to decarbonize, due to the emissions generated in the production processes. However, carbon capture utilization and storage provides a way to reduce the environmental impact while maintaining industrial productivity.

Stewart noted carbon capture is more than an industrial solution, it is also about protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats, a connection of which she stressed the National Wildlife Federation is keenly aware. She stressed the importance of considering the ecological impact of industrial activities.

"While preserving the economy, while thinking about how infrastructural buildout is going to affect conservation and affect ecology, it really became important to us -- as a federation, and specifically as a climate team -- to participate in these conversations," Stewart added.

The privately owned energy company Tenaska is building a Tri-State Carbon Capture and Storage Hub to serve industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois has more help.

Under the Biden Administration's pollution reduction plan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will distribute $430 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will also accelerate clean energy and promote workforce training.

Angela Xu, municipal engagement manager for the Illinois Environmental Council, said the grant is another step forward in Illinois' clean energy progress.

"We have really seen significant progress on our climate and equity goals due to the passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act -- or CEJA -- in 2021," Xu pointed out. "We're seeing a lot of possible federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. It helps us double down on the great progress that we're seeing and secure a more equitable, affordable, and healthy future for all Illinoisans."

Xu said the grant supports projects like building and industry, decarbonization, freight, electrification, climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy. A total of $4 billion in federal funds was distributed to 25 state, local, and tribal entities. A comprehensive climate action plan must be submitted by all grant recipients to the federal government in 2026.

According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, roughly two-thirds of the northeastern Illinois region's emissions come from buildings, in the form of electricity or natural gas for heating and cooking. The funding supports the switch to electric appliances, heating and cooling, building equipment and more.

Xu noted other areas also stand to benefit from the grant.

"The funding enhances the workforce development programs already established by CEJA," Xu explained. "The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the federal Inflation Reduction Act are working together to bring historic climate investments home to our communities, with particular attention to low-income and disadvantaged communities across the state who need clean air affordable, energy and clean energy jobs the most"

Roughly $172 million will be allocated to decarbonize Illinois' buildings, which currently comprise nearly 70% of Chicago's carbon footprint. Another $115 million is budgeted for electrifying Illinois' transportation sector to boost infrastructure and ramp up acquiring electric freight vehicles, and more than $3 million is designated for a freight hub data collection and analysis program.

New York and the nation have seen sweeping impacts since the Inflation Reduction Act's passage two years ago. New York received $34 billion from the IRA for large-scale clean energy generation and storage. Along with funds to expand the state's clean energy sources, it's also provided resources for homeowners to make their homes climate efficient.

Actress Yetide Badaki says the law's passage creates an equitable climate future.

"To achieve equality, we must solve and work for environmental justice for all. The Inflation Reduction Act's focus on environmental justice and justice for the areas is historic and it puts us on that path," Badaki said.

Environmental justice communities have been a priority across New York State as storm damage worsens. This year, the state has seen an estimated $23 billion in damage from 'billion-dollar disasters'. Though New York City is a concentrated hub of E.J. communities, they can be found across the state. IRA funds are being provided for homeowners across the state to prepare their homes for blustering storm impacts.

Many elected officials see the Inflation Reduction Act as a way to make the U.S. energy independent. Creating energy through wind, solar, and other renewable means reduced dependence on other countries for national energy needs.

Alex Cornell du Houx, president of Elected Officials to Protect America, said this benefits national and global security.

"The U.S. produces a decent amount of oil and gas, but it can never supply the world, and this infrastructure is extremely vulnerable, as we've seen in Ukraine. So, to make sure that we're energy secure we've got to be able to move away from oil and gas. It's as simple as that," he said.

He added the IRA's clean energy funds can reduce the influence of groups like the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC. The Russia-Ukraine War has made energy independence a rising concern. The World Population Review finds the U.S. imported 405,000 barrels of oil from Russia in December 2021.

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law two years ago this week.

In Pennsylvania, its effects so far include carbon reduction, job creation and support for disadvantaged communities. The law marks the largest clean energy investment in U.S. history, with more than $369 billion dedicated to fighting climate change and creating jobs.

Fred Quinn III, a borough council member in Swissvale, just east of Pittsburgh, said the legislation will generate more than 243,000 new jobs across Pennsylvania by 2030. He added the measure offers financial relief for households as well.

"The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant rebates for clean energy technologies such as solar panels, electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances," Quinn outlined. "For families in my community, this means substantial savings on energy bills. Imagine reducing your household's energy expenses by more than $1,800 annually."

Swissvale recently got its first electric vehicle charging station. The Inflation Reduction Act is a wide-ranging 10-year plan to encourage the adoption of more renewable energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. From its inception, it has received criticism from the fossil-fuel industry and from those who say more accountability is needed to make sure the money is spent wisely.

Heidi Roddenberry, chair of the Roddenberry Foundation, which honors the legacy of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry, said philanthropy can support innovative technologies to help achieve energy independence and infrastructure to get the state closer to its climate future.

"At the Roddenberry Foundation, we are about big, bold ideas, catalytic change and that we can do more together," Roddenberry asserted. "Helping us get to that optimistic future that Star Trek offered us, and having an infrastructure supporting an energy independence gets us closer to that goal."

Backers of the Inflation Reduction Act say it could yield more than $5 trillion in global economic benefits from reduced greenhouse gas pollution by 2050.