NEW ENERGY JOBS FOR THE STATE OF THE UNION

State of the Union: renewable energy equals jobs
Chris Madison, January 28, 2010 (Into the Wind via the American Wind Energy Association)

"President Obama did not mention wind energy [in his address]…[H]e did not need to… since in recent days members of his Administration have been citing the latest wind energy growth statistics as a successful outcome of the Recovery Act.

"What was more striking…was the fact that each time he talked about jobs--the highest priority for his administration going forward--he immediately mentioned clean energy jobs. The two ideas became a single vision. The President reiterated his commitment to building a new energy economy and showed that he understands the role wind energy and solar and other renewables are playing in the creation of new jobs. That sends a strong signal to the American people."

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"The President also touched on the increasing global competition in the construction of clean energy manufacturing facilities, saying in reference to China, India and Germany, "These countries are making serious investment in clean energy because they want those jobs.

"He also renewed his call for 'a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America. ..Providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future – because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation.'"

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"How do we get the manufacturing jobs here? How do we get the investment? A renewable electricity standard (RES), which is part of the comprehensive energy and climate bill…"

[Denise Bode, CEO, AWEA:] “The wind energy industry applauds the President's emphasis on job creation. Under the President's leadership, the Recovery Act saved 40,000 wind jobs. The industry now looks forward to working with the President to put in place the policies—including a national Renewable Electricity Standard—which will create thousands more, including in manufacturing. A Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) with strong, aggressive near-term targets is the best way to provide the certainty needed for businesses to expand domestic wind manufacturing."