Commentary—

A Green Economic Recovery? Wow!

By Carl Pope

Now that new administration has been sworn in, President Barack Obama and Congress can get down to the real work of finishing their recovery plan to boost the economy and create jobs. They have the opportunity to ignite a transformation in America by investing in clean energy, making our buildings and homes more efficient, rebuilding our water infrastructure, reducing our dependence on oil — these are the solutions that can lead directly to economic prosperity, job creation, and enhanced national security.

We’ve happy to see that the President’s vision of an economic recovery plan recognizes the vital role of clean energy and green jobs. He’s presented a plan that advances such technologies and investments as key drivers for economic recovery.

Mr Obama outlined three major areas for economic recovery and job creation through clean energy: doubling the production of alternative energy in the next three years; modernizing more than 75 percent of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of two million American homes, saving consumers and taxpayers billions on energy bills; and building a smart grid to deliver electricity in a more reliable and efficient manner from cleaner energy sources.

Fortunately, Congress has already presented a bill that reflects Mr Obama’s vision of making an important down payment on these solutions that will transform America’s economy and lead to a clean energy future for generations to come.

The initiatives are a win-win for a strong economy and safe, healthier communities. They will create good jobs here in America and reduce our dependence on dirtier energy sources like oil and coal by promoting the shift to wind and solar power and high-energy-performance, low-carbon cars and buildings.

This proposed economic recovery package from the House of Representatives outlines approximately $100 billion in direct spending and incentives for clean energy, the retrofitting of public buildings and public housing, low- and moderate-income home weatherization, clean water and environmental restoration projects, energy efficiency, smart grid, and mass transit projects.

This week the US Conference of Mayors voiced its support after releasing its economic recovery report “showing that an economic stimulus package supporting green jobs in energy, water and wastewater infrastructure, public transit and rail improvements could put hundreds of thousands of people to work immediately.”

Indeed, there are already hundreds of projects addressing those issues across the United States, including light rail in Denver and Charlotte and green job training in southern California and in Chicago — not to mention the many wind and solar power component manufacturers — all waiting for investment in order to grow even more.

As this plan moves to Congress, it is vitally important that the government focus on investing in newer, cleaner, more efficient technology and not wasting money on costly, business-as-usual approaches like new coal plants, dams, or “highways to nowhere.” It is imperative to remain focused on the priorities that will provide short-term economic recovery and long-term economic stability for a cleaner, safer world.

Right now we have an opportunity like no other to improve our economy and to make our nation a world leader in green investment and technology. We must invest in the most efficient green solutions, boldly stimulate green industries, fix existing needs first, stimulate environmental restoration and green infrastructure, and reject economic proposals that would increase global warming pollution, destroy important natural areas, or increase our reliance on wasteful water use.

President Obama clearly understands that clean energy and green jobs are the future of our manufacturing and the foundation for a stronger America and more secure middle class. That is why the President and his allies in Congress have put clean energy, energy efficiency, mass transit, and other green projects at center of their economic recovery plan. We must continue to encourage him and Congress to create a strong and clean economy.

(Carl Pope is executive director of Sierra Club. The club is America’s oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization.)