Californians for Clean Energy and Jobs Launches Effort to Boost Renewable Energy Jobs
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By Tom Steyer
Californians for Clean Energy and Jobs
With turmoil and upheaval in the Middle East and with forces in Washington bent on turning back the energy clock, never has there been a more urgent need for California to provide leadership to the world on clean energy policies and technology -- especially as it relates to job creation and national security.
That’s why today we are announcing the rededication of Californians for Clean Energy and Jobs, the coalition that originally came together last year to fight and defeat Proposition 23 which sought to derail our future by indefinitely postponing California’s clean energy and clean air standards.
This powerful and uniquely California partnership of Democrats, Republicans, business, labor, civic, community-based and environmental leaders are committed to build off its effort from the campaign by supporting national, state, regional and local clean energy policies that protect public health, and promote job growth and national security.
Our immediate goals are: (1) implementing AB 32 in way designed to make sure California is the global leader in Clean Energy Jobs and air quality while protecting consumers and taxpayers; (2) expanding renewable energy investments in California to meet Governor Jerry Brown’s goal of generating 20,000 megawatts of renewable electricity, including 12,000 megawatts of locally generated electricity, by 2020; (3) increasing investments in energy efficiency, and (4) continuing our state’s commitment to clean energy research and development, and providing incentives for our growing clean tech economy.
Our overarching intention is to encourage and ensure standards and policies that keep California a leader in the fight against climate change, create viable alternatives to our dependence on fossil fuels and further our momentum in the development of clean energy and clean technology—the fastest-growing sector of the state’s economy.
According to the state’s Economic Development Department, more than 500,000 Californians are now employed in “green jobs.” Last year, the state attracted nearly $10 billion in venture capital for clean tech industrial firms – more than six times that of any other state, according to the National Venture Capital Association.
California has a crucial role to play in the national and international challenges on energy. Our leadership serves as a beacon of reason and our market power as a robust incentive to manufacturing firms, auto makers, suppliers and even other governments. What we do here matters.
That is why we have drawn together a broad coalition that includes: the Silicon Valley Leadership Group; Ella Baker Center for Human Rights; Natural Resources Defense Council; the Environmental Defense Fund; Los Angeles Business Council; California League of Conservation Voters; California Business Alliance for a Green Economy; the American Lung Association in California; the Blue Green Alliance; and Environmental Entrepreneurs.
These are all Californians who understand that clean energy is not a slogan: it’s an imperative.
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Tom Steyer is Co-Chair of Californians for Clean Energy and Jobs. This post originally appeared in the Sacramento Bee, www.sacbee.com.
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Well, if we can increase the unemployment rate to 15% and increase the exodus of productive human capital from the state of California then I am sure we can reduce our consumption of energy. Yes, AB32 helps us achieve these laudable goals. So, lets just shut down industry.
The comment by 'David' is just another misguided attempt to tarnish environmental health and clean technology jobs. The truth is that environmental protection and a strong economy are not at odds--and they never have been. Sadly, some large industries and their ideological allies continually try to cynically mislead the public. Don't be fooled! California's landmark clean energy and climate solutions law will help to stimulate the clean tech sector while pushing large polluters to reduce their harmful emissions.
I sure hope that some solar and renewable energy trade groups are added to this newly formed coalition. Not to mention an enviro organization or two with proven expertise in renewable energy.
You do realize that one of the big reason Portugal and Spain are in such dire financial straits because of their large investment in "green" energy and "green" jobs? You do realize that when Spain studied the subject they concluded that for every "green" job that was created using government policies and so forth that two jobs were lost in the private sector? In fact, an honest look at the European experience is that "green" jobs are just this generation's financial nonsense such as Jimmy Carter's shale energy products and, of course, ethanol.
But, maybe we should not allow historical evidence affect our policies?
David-
Spain overpaid (by a lot). Germany and Denmark have lots of renewable energy, but are not in dire financial straits because of it. Looks like Japan is having some problems with nuclear. So what is your plan? Pretend that it is 1956?
By Germany and Denmark overpaid too. I was reading that the cost for Kwhr in Denmark and Germany via windpower is $.18. This is the cost of generation alone. What do you think that would do to the US?