Moving Towards a Green Economy

 

Pennsylvania needs to update the standard so clean energy production as a percentage of total energy production can move from 18 to 22 percent. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell called for a clear, nation-wide alternative energy portfolio standard.
Courtesy of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference explored the strategies, policies, and investments needed to move towards a clean energy economy. The idea is that government, business, environmental and labor groups must work together to accelerate the shift to a green economy. The landscape industry should be at the forefront of the green movement.

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell argued that making science and technology appealing to students was critical to the future competitiveness of the U.S. He said all countries are racing to create the next generation technologies, implying that creating a strong U.S. skillset in science will be crucial to participating in this race.

However, he emphasized not all green job opportunities need to be cutting-edge. Rendell said each of those large wind turbines includes over 250 tons of steel. “Much of this steel is coming from Pennsylvania.” The U.S. manufacturing sector and steel workers then also have a major role to play in shaping a clean economy. Furthermore, maintaining skilled manufacturing workers in the U.S. will pay off. “Wind companies from Spain are now manufacturing turbines in America.”

Pennsylvania has spent $1 billion incentivizing these kinds of wind turbine manufacturing deals. This $1 billion has leveraged an additional $5 billion in private sector investment. As a result, Pennsylvania now ranks third behind Texas and California in clean energy job production.

To spur the growth of a national clean energy sector, Rendell called for a multi-faceted approach: create mandates for a national alternative and renewable energy portfolio standard. “We may not see movement on cap & trade this year, but we need this,” said Rendell.

We should implement permanent tax credits for renewable energy. Right now, tax credits last only 1 to 2 years and create uncertainty, which, in effect, lowers investment. Institute a long-term loan guarantee program to encourage the private sector to invest.

– Courtesy of ASLA