The Green Jobs Act of 2007 is finally law! That means “green-collar” jobs may be on their way to an underserved community near you. I say “may be” because, while the president has signed the bill into law, Congress has not yet authorized funds to cover the $125 million dollars per year needed to train as many as 30,000 workers/year for jobs in emerging green market sectors (alternative energy, green building and clean technology). Congress is expected to authorize the funds this year.
The Green Jobs Act was signed into law on December 19, 2007 as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act, legislation designed to increase energy efficiency and encourage production of alternative fuel.
The Green Jobs Act is intended to provide the resources and infrastructure necessary to train and develop a workforce capable of meeting the needs of the “Green” economy. The new law authorizes 20 percent of the Green Jobs Act funds to support a green Pathways Out of Poverty Program, programs that target career training and development resources to support low-income individuals who have the greatest need for training and career pathways in the clean energy economy (Oakland Green Job Corps is a pioneering green pathways program). The grants would be used to train underemployed, low-income, previously incarcerated and other at-risk people for jobs such as installing solar panels and energy-efficient appliances, weatherizing buildings, and maintaining wind farms.
The Green Jobs Act represents a victory for grassroots and advocacy groups, including the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, the Apollo Alliance, the Workforce Alliance, the Center for American Progress, the Energy Action Coalition and Green For All.
So, what does the Green Jobs Act mean for you?
Job training: Even if you are not a member of an underserved or at-risk community, employers will likely beef up their training and development offerings to be competitive.
Career opportunity: The Energy Independence and Security Act will drive the creation of new jobs in order to effect the changes. Employers in the energy sector (oil, electric and fuel companies), and those other sectors, will need to hire, promote or train employees to work on the transition to alternative energy sources, clean technology and energy efficient appliances, equipment and business practices. Businesses will also hire consultants and other experts to advise and help manage the transition (appliance salespeople and installers, HR professionals, recruiters and trainers, engineers, chemists, researchers).
Business opportunity: Where there’s free government money, there’s business opportunity. That, combined with the fact that the market for “green” products and services is white hot, make this the right time to launch a new green venture.
Want more information on green business and career opportunities, subscribe to the Sustainable Careers newsletter and receive a complementary subscription to “The Green Sheet”, a weekly email featuring the hottest green job and business opportunities in your area.
Stuff You Might Also Like
If you liked my post, feel free to subscribe to my rss feeds
Loading ...
