Akron Reporter

Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, U.S. Congresswoman representing Ohio’s 13th district since 2023, has used her social media platforms to criticize recent cuts to Ohio’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and to promote public discussion on related legislative matters.

On September 4, 2025, Sykes posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Energy efficiency programs lower utility costs for Ohio households. But Republicans are cutting our state’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs by 44% in order to fund kickbacks for billionaires and big polluters. Rep. Sykes won’t stand for it."

The following day, she invited the public to join a live discussion about the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, stating on September 5, 2025: "Join Rep. Sykes today at 12:30 p.m. on Instagram Live for the WTF Show to discuss the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill. See you soon!"

Later that same day, Sykes reiterated her criticism of Republican energy policies in another post: "Democrats fought to bring clean power online, lower bills, and give consumers choices. Republicans voted to shut it all down.

With energy prices already too high, Republican policies are driving up costs for Ohioans just to keep the lights on."

Sykes began serving in Congress after replacing Tim Ryan in 2023. She previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022. Born in Akron, Ohio in 1986, she continues to reside there at age 37. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida.