Policy & Legislation
Here are some examples of good green-collar jobs policies that have been passed or proposed at the federal, state, and local level around the country. If you know of something that should be listed here, please email us at clearinghouse@greenforall.org
Energy Conservation Corps
The GIVE Act (HR 5563) would renew for five years the Corporation for National and Community Service, best known for its AmeriCorps program (PL 101-610). An amendment to this act, introduced by Representatives Inslee and Sarbanes, would create an Energy Conservation Corps to address the nation’s energy and transportation infrastructure needs while providing work and service opportunities. During the March 6th, 2008 deliberations over the GIVE Act, the Energy Conservation Corps amendment was approved 152-261. However, on March 12th, the GIVE Act fell one vote shy of the 278 needed for passage. It is possible that the GIVE Act be again brought to the floor this year.
Proposal for a National Clean Energy Corps
A proposal by the Clean Energy Corps Working Group for a national investment to expand green jobs, pathways out of poverty and national service for the environment.
The Green Jobs Act of 2007
The Green Jobs Act of 2007 authorized $125 million per year from the federal government to create an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Program. The Green Jobs Act is an initial pilot program to identify needed skills, develop training programs, and train workers for jobs in a range of green industries. It targets a broad range of populations for eligibility, but has a special focus on creating “green pathways out of poverty.” Congress has not yet appropriated the $125M for the Green Jobs Act. Green For All and its partners are advocating for full funding of the Green Jobs Act.
Washington State Climate Action and Green Jobs Bill
The Climate Action and Green Jobs bill was signed into law by Governor Christine Gregoire in March of 2008. This unprecedented bill combines for the first time a green-collar jobs training initiative and greenhouse gas reduction strategies in a single piece of legislation. This approach busts apart the tired “jobs vs. the environment” frame that has been used so effectively to defeat efforts to save the planet and build a green economy. The day after the Governor announced the legislation the headline in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer declared, “Gov. Gregoire announces bill to fight climate change, create jobs.”
