The depletion of natural resources as a byproduct of widespread, global economic growth has urged entrepreneurs to think about the environment when starting or conducting business. However, several of these smaller-sized firms struggle with implementing environmentally conscious business practices, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which represent more than 95% of all private sector firms. This study uses a survey method to assess and better comprehend the key drivers and barriers of green business practices by SMEs in the State of Ohio (USA). Results from our study show that a majority of respondents reported that they have implemented green practices, broadly defined, within their business. The two main drivers for deciding to engage in such practices are internal motivations and the opportunity to obtain a better public image. However, respondents also noted a lack of capital as the central barrier to implementing green business practices. We also observe that smaller firms, and firms located in urban areas, are more familiar with green business practices than larger firms and firms that are located in rural areas. Our results can be used by government and business actors alike, especially in states comparable to Ohio, as a benchmark to consider better strategies, programs, and policies for implementing green business techniques. Overall, this research helps to better discern best practices and ways to develop more prosperous SMEs without undermining the quality of the environment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10669-021-09821-3.

This study examines the economic, fiscal, and workforce impacts of two Dayton Power & Light (DP&L) coal-fired power plant closures in Adams County, Ohio. The decommissioning of these facilities, and the closure of an associated training centre, will result in over 1,100 total lost jobs in the Appalachian region. A skillshed analysis revealed that displaced workers transitioning to emerging occupations with similar skill requirements will experience wage decreases. Decommissioned power plants in Ohio no longer pay tangible personal property (TPP) taxes, which will result in $8.5 million in lost tax revenue for local governments.These findings suggest that a multi-pronged recovery effort will be required to assist this region, which has implications for similar communities in Appalachian Ohio dealing with coal plant closures.

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Solar energy has recently become the subject of heated policy debate across the United States, particularly at the state level. Proponents note that it provides a variety of environmental, public health, and economic development benefits for society and argue that it can help support electric grid operations. Many electric utilities, however, contend that the growth of customer-owned, distributed solar energy systems will create costs that the utilities must pass on to ratepayers. This debate has led to a wide range of technical reports seeking to quantify the costs and benefits of solar energy to electric utilities, ratepayers, and society at large. We review these studies, discuss the different perspectives that they represent, and identify the key variables that have shaped this value-of-solar debate. We conclude by discussing future research opportunities that could help to maximize the benefits of solar energy use while minimizing its potential negative impacts.