GREEN JOBS ARE THE BOTTOM LINE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
President Barack Obama unveiled a new emblem Tuesday that will be used on projects funded by the economic stimulus package. The emblem covers most of the basics of the $787 billion package — gears representing infrastructure, a red cross representing health care, a plant representing green technology.
GREEN JOBS ARE THE BOTTOM LINE
Santa Fe, NM - US Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) has introduced legislation calling for a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), which would require utilities to generate 25 percent of their electricity from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources by 2025. The bill, the first that Udall has introduced since being elected to the Senate, would require utilities to produce 6 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by 2012, and gradually increase that level to meet the 25 percent by 2025 goal.
And President Barack Obama recently signed into law the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), which includes more than $50 billion for investing in a cleaner, greener economy, including $500 million for green-job training.
The ARRA Logo was unveiled yesterday. This, combined with Sen. Udall's efforts to establish the RES program, could lead to New Mexico's position as a major player in the new clean energy industries because of our state's unique climactic and environmental features, which lend themselves to solar and wind power.
The New Mexico Legislature is currently considering a green jobs bill package that could make New Mexico a leader in the green economy. The proposed legislation (SB 420, SB 318 and HB 622) will provide resources for schools, tribes, communities, and businesses to train a local workforce in 21st century green collar trades and attract sustainable green industries to New Mexico.
"Should we get these three critical green bills through, New Mexico will be well positioned to have our projects stamped with the new ARRA logo," says Dr. John Fogarty, Executive Director for New Energy Economy. "Our green jobs package fits well with the goals of Gov. Richardson's Green Jobs Cabinet, Senator Tom Udall Renewable Electricity Standard legislation and President Obama's focus on green technology in the economic stimulus package."
"Americans want to put our nation on a path towards energy independence," says Udall "By establishing RES, we can begin creating new, clean energy jobs. In addition to these jobs, studies have shown that a federal RES would reduce energy bills, revitalize rural America, slow global warming and strengthen our energy security."
To ensure New Mexico is on the right path to increased job opportunities and a cleaner environment, NM Senator Eric Griego (D-Albuquerque).and House Speaker Ben Lujan, D-Santa Fe are sponsoring three bills between them that they hope will position New Mexico to take advantage of changes to national energy policy that loom on the horizon.
House Speaker Ben Lujan is sponsoring HB 622 (Green Jobs Bonding Act), which would approve up to $20 million from a state revenue bonds, to provide financial support for higher education institutions to create green job training programs. Priority for funding will be given to programs that help disadvantaged populations such as low-income and rural constituencies. This bill was heard by the Taxation & Revenue Committee Friday, February 27 and has been tabled.
In conjunction, Senator Eric Griego's bills will promote job creation and economic development by providing appropriate incentives for green industries to bring their businesses into New Mexico. SB 318 (Development Training Funds for Green Jobs) will appropriate a minimum of $1 million dollars from Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) funds to aid green businesses, particularly small businesses, in supporting a new workforce. SB 318 passed through Senate Finance Monday, March 2, 2009, with only 1 vote against it and will be heard on the Senate floor today.
Sen. Griego is also sponsoring SB 420 (Severance Tax Investment in Green Industries),which would allot up to $15 million of the Severance Tax Permanent Fund for New Mexico industries that provide green jobs to local residents.
"But who will build the solar panels, the wind turbines, and the power plants? Who will manage the plants, repair the equipment and ensure that the lights turn on in every home?" asks Bob Mang, owner of Regenesis LLC and organizing member of New Voice of Business in New Mexico "New Mexico needs the green bills package passed so we can train our workforce to meet the challenges of these new technologies," he insists.
New Energy Economy is dedicated to creating green jobs, boosting the economy and solving global warming.
Contact:
Jennifer Marshall
505-231-1776
jennifer@jmarshallplan.com
www.jmarshallplan.com
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