Dems in Congress: 'Green-collar jobs' will fight poverty and global warming

A hearing in the House shows promise

Posted by Van Jones (Guest Contributor) at 3:35 PM on 23 May 2007

Hooray! Hooray! Finally!

Yesterday, some House Democrats finally "connected the dots" on ways to solve two of the nation's biggest problems: failing American job security and global climate security.

By addressing both issues simultaneously, these congressional leaders may re-energize the anti-poverty movement -- and transform the debate on global warming.

U.S. Representatives Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Hilda Solis (D-Calif.) both sit on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed the committee. Markey is the chair.

Yesterday the Select Committee held a special hearing, entitled: "Economic Impacts of Global Warming: Green Collar Jobs."

(I was happy to provide testimony [PDF] at the hearing, along with Elsa Barboza [PDF] of SCOPE in Los Angeles and Jerome Ringo [PDF] of the Apollo Alliance.)

At the special hearing, Congresswoman Solis addressed the importance of using green collar jobs both as a way to curb global warming and as a pathway out of poverty.

Chairman Markey made an equally strong statement in favor of pursuing this strategy. And Senator Bernie Sanders has already been working hard on the Senate side, trying to get a "green collar jobs" proposal pushed through there.

A green collar job is a vocational job in an ecologically responsible trade, for instance: installing solar panels, weatherizing buildings, constructing and maintaining wind farms, materials re-use and recycling, doing organic agriculture, etc.

Green-Collar Legislation Being Developed

During a speech on the House floor before the hearing, Congresswoman Solis spoke of the need to respond to the global warming crisis by investing not only in new infrastructure, but also in people.

The shift from dirty energy sources (like oil and coal) to cleaner energy sources (like solar, wind, and plant-based fuel) will produce hundreds of thousands of new jobs. The work of retrofitting millions of buildings so that they conserve energy will produce still more jobs. And all of these jobs will be, by definition, impossible to outsource to other countries.

Congresswoman Solis mentioned legislation she is drafting along with several other members. It will invest in green jobs as means to help workers and low-income people get in on the ground floor of this booming sector of the U.S. economy.

Her exciting new proposal would give federal support to "green collar job training" programs, which would help give U.S. workers (and would-be workers) access to the skills they will need to compete in the new green job market.

In the words of Solis's Legislative Director Megan J. Uzzell: "Chairman Markey and Congresswoman Solis both understand the importance of saying to America's workers, particularly those in urban and rural underserved communities, that there is a place for them in the green economy."

I am eagerly awaiting the pending introduction of this legislation. It should pass both houses of Congress unanimously, right?

I mean, who could oppose such a measure?

GOP Still Clueless, But Learning

Funny you should ask ...

The committee's ranking Republican, James Sensenbrenner, didn't get it at all. He questioned whether there was any such thing as a "green-collar job" -- as distinct from any other kind of job.

Apparently, Sensenbrenner's staff had not yet briefed him on the highly specialized nature of work in the emerging green industries. He even wondered aloud whether solar panel installation was any harder than plugging in a satellite dish. (No comment.)

Sensenbrenner also questioned whether the new eco-entrepreneurs shouldn't pay for their own job training programs -- and leave government funding out of it.

Of course, most countries work hard to nurture their growing industries. Their elected leaders see government-funded education and job training as one of the most basic ways to support them. Dumping 100 percent of the worker-training costs onto a nascent industry is one sure way to kill it in the cradle.

If U.S. green industries are going to compete and cooperate on the world stage, they will need the support of a well-trained, world-class green workforce. Unfortunately, unless Solis and Markey prevail, they may not have the workforce they need.

In fact, many eco-entrepreneurs fear that their growth will be constrained by a "green collar" labor shortage -- unless there is a major increase in the quantity and quality of vocational job training.

Therefore, Solis's proposals are not only good for low-income workers. Worker training will also greatly aid green industries and businesses.

Once Sensenbrenner figures that one out, maybe he will get his GOP colleagues to embrace this novel approach to uplifting the nation's poor.

Here is Congresswoman Solis's opening statement, one of the first-ever by a national legislator explicitly calling for green collar jobs as a way to uplift the poor. (Hooray!)

Statement from Hilda Solis: "Green Jobs Will Create Pathways Out of Poverty"

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32), a Member of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and the House Energy and Commerce Committee, delivered the following statement during a Select Committee hearing about the opportunities green jobs will provide underserved communities.

"Chairman Markey, thank you for holding this hearing today. The strength of our nation's economy depends not only on innovation and technology, but also on the availability of high skilled and well-trained work force.

"Yet as Silicon Valley advances, so should East Los Angeles. We must ensure both that workers are skilled on this new technology AND that this technology presents a pathway out of poverty for our nation's unskilled work force and underserved communities.

"I am proud that several of our communities have begun to prepare for this shift. For example, Rio Hondo College, which services students in my district, has partnered with American Honda Motor Co., John Deere and the Robert Bosch Corporation to establish an alternative fuels vocational technology training program.

"The City of Los Angeles Workforce Investment Board, the Community Development Department, and the Department of Water and Power studied which areas of the economy could provide opportunities for high quality jobs. They found the solar, wind and biomass sectors are great opportunities for employment. I am pleased that our witnesses today can attest to the impacts these programs have on workers and the role of the federal government.

"More than 13 million workers this year (one in 10 workers nationally) will seek assistance from an employee training program. This training can lead to self-sufficiency and prosperity through higher wages, access to benefits and more career choices. Programs which link green job training to underserved communities in both rural and urban communities present a golden opportunity to advance not only the energy security of our nation, but also the economic security of our families.

"I am proud to be working to develop a green jobs anti-poverty investment act along with my good friends Mr. Tierney, Mr. Miller, and Mr. McNerney. Through this effort we can support both our nation's innovation and technological leadership and drive our nation to lift people out of poverty."
For more information about Congresswoman Solis's work, please visit www.house.gov/solis or view clips of Congresswoman Solis at work at www.youtube.com/rephildasolis.

For story: Dems in Congress: 'Green-collar jobs' will fight poverty and global warming
13 Comments | Post a Comment

someone didn't get the memo

That's good to hear and I applaud the Dems, but the Green Party has been saying this all along; that we can have smart, sustainable growth by investing in things like renewable energy.

by GreenNPR at 5:13 PM on 23 May 2007

jobs

I think its interesting that people in government talk about making jobs, when it is industry that makes jobs, not government. It seems to be that industry is leading the way. Here is a good example. http://www.thenewsroom.com/details/328594/Life+and+Leisur ... grocery stores encouraging eco friendly bags.

by ktmg at 8:28 PM on 23 May 2007

Travelling Man

The history of providing incentives for "green" or alterative industries is that very agressive, very greedy types will siphon off the money and produce shoddy work, or none at all.

Moreover, it will hurt the quality providers that may not be tapped into the government welfare for whatever person is smart enough to con they Government into giving the proper label.

Bush is right -- these industries are mature. And the real issue is getting customers to pay for green tech. For examply, how many vociferous readers of Grist mouth off about how "we" should do this or that but aren't saving their pennies to install solar, or geothermal systems on their houses? How about getting a second mortgage (if you believe so strongly) and funding one of these Green companies and its workers out of your pocketbook?

Oh, you don't like that. Well, go back to griping about "George Bush" in your Comments.

by jabailo at 12:46 AM on 24 May 2007

How about us

So what about the poor that want to do something then. I made less the 20k last year and live in an apartment. No second mortgage for me, no solar or geothermal either. Oh I know i could get a job in the green industry but darn they all require knowledge and training I don't have. Hrm I guess the ones that can already afford the training get the good jobs then oh well.

by Drison at 1:15 AM on 24 May 2007

Start Small

First of all "Green" companies are still companies....they have accountants and office boys and all the rest.

You could spend time researching for Green companies near you and see if they have an opening for your type of work.

Also, for Green companies that are really in need of people, they will most likely have training programs for enthusiastic workers.

by jabailo at 1:34 AM on 24 May 2007
[ Parent ]

Uhm

but aren't saving their pennies to install solar, or geothermal systems on their houses

But nobody should really be doing that.

Installing a geothermal heatpump system only works well before the house was even built.
I've heard a couple times from solar panel engineers that solar panels right now are more-so for the "good kharma" feeling, and not so much realistic economic payback.
Why does someone need to have a solar panel sitting on their roof in order to get solar electricity? You don't need to buy a cow if you just want a gallon of milk.

The best thing the general public can do is to coordinate, and lobby their political representatives.

Since thats where they can influence change most.

-David Ahlport

by GreyFlcn at 1:43 AM on 24 May 2007
[ Parent ]

Chaff is such a polite word

Hey, all:

Gawd, such narrow-minded frank ignorance:

"But nobody should really be doing that.

1. Installing a geothermal heatpump system only works well before the house was even built.

2. I've heard a couple times from solar panel engineers that solar panels right now are more-so for the "good kharma" feeling, and not so much realistic economic payback.

3. Why does someone need to have a solar panel sitting on their roof in order to get solar electricity? You don't need to buy a cow if you just want a gallon of milk."

Earth-coupled heat pumps work far better than conventional heat pumps or air conditioning, provided the system is sized properly, it is appropriate for the climate on site, and installation is done correctly. They cost more initially but use much less electricity, last much longer, and are quiet.
My PV panels paid for themselves in only a few years. Your solar panel engineer associates are stupid. If you believe in karma, fine, but I don't really know anyone in the PV field who deals in such things. Pragmatism is far more appropriate. Do they practice Feng Shui, also? If so, they are missing the point on PV and solar orientation.
PV panels are used because the sun provides free electricity. Where the Hell does the cow and milk reference come from?

Jobs in sustainable energy industries indeed provide a great deal of benefit. Cities have been busy attracting PV and wind system manufacturers to their locations. Batteries, charge controllers, inverters, and other equipment are also produced. Solar domestic water heaters are assembled in similar facilities with similar benefits. Many different kinds of jobs and the economic ripple effect all come from sustainability. Transportation, sales, installation, and service all increase with the sustainability industry and a built infrastructure.

As was said earlier, the Green Party has made this point for a long time. Tom Friedman wrote about it in NYT before the 2004 elections. I am glad the Dems have had the light turned on. Sustainability is also far more egalitarian, and has the potential with tax rebates, subsidies, net-metering, and net-pay to improve economic conditions for lower income groups, providing a substantial improvement in disposable income and community health.

I have said this before, though, until the corporate oligarchy has its kneecaps crushed, not much will change. Don't look for much to happen until real reforms are achieved in campaign finance, lobbying, and election security.

David
Sustainability For Life

Messages done with sustainable energy, with Wind and Sun!

by SustainableGreen at 3:28 AM on 24 May 2007

Economics 101

I am not against investment in sustainable energy, I think the government needs to make such investments despite the hardships it puts on taxpayers.

What I am tired of hearing about is how the `green economy' creates jobs, it does not, it is an economic loser. At this point I was going to explain all this, but it will take too much time and effort. Instead let me recommend an explanation, from you local library pick up the book called "Economics in One Lesson" by Henry Hazlitt, read chapter 2, called "The broken Window". This chapter explains very clearly why government spending on green jobs will slow the economy. It should only take 30 minutes to read.

If I can find something on-line that is as good I will post.

by GtoeOne at 5:45 AM on 24 May 2007

PV costs

David,

Do you have a spread sheet showing the economic payback of the PV system you installed?

by GtoeOne at 8:15 AM on 24 May 2007

Go Ahead, But Leave Me Out of It

The best thing the general public can do is to coordinate, and lobby their political representatives.

Great, go ahead...just don't bill me with "Carbon Taxes" and "Green Incentives" and the other claptrap associated with the AGW Hoax.

by jabailo at 8:29 AM on 24 May 2007
[ Parent ]

PV costs

Here is a site for calculating the cost of a PV system, I don't know if the default numbers are accurate. I think the yearly maintenance cost will be high if you are using batteries.

www.infinitepower.org/calc_pv.htm

by GtoeOne at 9:01 AM on 24 May 2007

Hooray, thank you and let's get to work

Hooray, indeed! Loud applause for Van Jones, Jerome Ringo, Elsa Barboza, Bob Thelan, Ed Markey, Bernie Sanders, George Miller, Hilda Solis, Nancy Pelosi and everyone who is working to move this legislation forward. It's fantastic and much needed.

Now is the perfect time for environmentalists, labor, social justice activists, community groups, business interests and government officials to work together towards its eventual passage and towards the follow up steps that lead to the fulfillment of the vision in Van's testimony.

I'm proud that Ed Markey and Bernie Sanders from right here in New England are taking a leadership role. Green collar jobs are real, and they are now. With leadership and solid programs, they can help lift thousands of people out of poverty and into stable careers with good wages.

Sign me up.

Kevin Doyle kevinldoyle@gmail.com

by Kevin Doyle at 10:46 AM on 25 May 2007

PV Spreadsheets and Batteries

Hey, all:

Hey, GtoeOne:

I missed your question about a spreadsheet for PV but the one you offered looks as good as any, and coincidentally comes from the same state as I live in, which is also one of the worst for supporting sustainability. I would suggest one that adds possibility of wind in the mix.

Before anyone makes any PV or any other similar purchase, though, is that a home (or office/business) energy efficiency makeover should be done. This will result in a smaller outlay for sustainability products. The general rule is that each $1 spent on efficiency saves $5 in system cost. Weatherizing, thermostats, light bulbs, appliances, even landscaping, etc., all drive sown system costs. Search for "home energy budget" or similar terms to find things on the net. You can plug all your numbers into either type of spreadsheet and learn a lot about the trade-offs, like the "$1 for $5" issue. By the way, it looked like the defaults in the one you provided can be changed, either that or they certainly should be.

Maintenance specifically for batteries is actually very low. Water level in lead/acid batteries should be checked monthly or so, and filled when needed. Cost of distilled water is maximum ~$2/gallon, and you might spend $20/year on water. Most other types of batteries have zero maintenance.

Replacement cost is significant but is not the biggest initial expense, nor does it make the investment unwise. Lead/acid batteries will last 7-10 years depending on use and how you treat them. Stable temperature in the mid 70s is best, and the less depth and the fewer times you discharge them the longer they will last. Other battery types last longer but cost more. I have $3,000-3,500 in batteries, and mine pay for themselves in 2-3 years, so I have 4-8 years cost-free.

Batteries are not necessary if you wish to only have the grid for backup. If you have reliable Sun or Wind 24/7 you don't need them, but this is quite rare. Less rare is the opportunity to use microhydro, a small turbine in your own fast-flowing perennial stream.

I hope this helps, and adds to the green-collar jobs outlook.

David
Sustainability For Life

Messages done with sustainable energy, with Wind and Sun!

by SustainableGreen at 12:34 PM on 25 May 2007

ADVERTISING POLICY

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