The renewable energy industry has a lot on its plate these days. Not only is our industry charged with reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign energy and helping to save the environment, but now we’re being asked to carry the weight of creating millions of new jobs too. Personally, I think this industry is up to the challenge.
The Obama administration’s stimulus package earmarks more than $20 billion for green pursuits. That’s a significant investment. Sure, the goals are lofty –doubling the nation’s renewable energy output over the next three years, for example – but that’s the point. When you combine very aggressive goals with a significant investment in renewable energy, logically one could deduce that this would spark the creation of a large number of jobs in this sector.
President Obama certainly seems to agree. His administration predicts that 3.2 million jobs will be created by the renewable energy sector over the next few years. $500 million of the stimulus package is specifically set aside for green job training. So, while we can speculate on whether or not the investment in renewable energy will translate directly to new jobs being created, the government continues to show its commitment by setting aside funds to train millions of people for these new jobs. Of note, Clean Edge, Inc., in its March 2009 report entitled “Clean Energy Trends for 2009” forecasts that the compound annual growth rate for clean energy jobs will be 16% over the next 10 years. We and our children should pay attention to that.
In addition to the financial commitment from the stimulus package, the new Middle Class Task Force (led by Vice President Biden) has indicated that renewable energy job creation is a pillar of the nation’s economic rebuilding program. When Mr. Biden kicked off the first task force meeting two weeks ago at the University of Pennsylvania, he highlighted that investing in green job creation would provide three key benefits:
- More jobs – and better paying jobs – to keep up with 21st century needs
- Lower energy costs
- A cleaner environment
Because renewable energy and energy efficiency markets represent a major, new industrial sector, green technologies will drive job growth at local, national and global levels. For example, countries like Germany and Spain have made huge investments in renewable energy, so it stands to reason that these countries will become similar hotbeds for job creation.
At the local level, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed touted green tech as a major driver for San Jose’s economic rebuilding program in his State of the City address back in January. He highlighted the fact that clean tech companies created more than 1,500 jobs in San Jose alone last year, and he expects that trend to grow this year. He even called out Fat Spaniel as one of the companies helping lead this trend. Take a look at David Goll’s piece in the San Jose Business Journal for more information.
Write back to us at “dogblog at fatspaniel dot com” to share your views.
Posted by Tom Tansy.
Tags: green jobs, stimulus plan