Washington, D.C. -  Today, the U.S. House of Representative approved the Green Jobs Act of 2007, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-CA) to help train American workers for jobs in the renewable energy and energy-efficiency industries – industries that are key to U.S. and world efforts to combat global warming.  The bill was passed as part of H.R. 3221, the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act.

“This legislation is an opportunity to advance not only the energy security of our nation, but also the economic security of our families,” said Congresswoman Solis.  “Through targeted job training efforts, we can support both our nation’s innovation and technological leadership and lift people out of poverty.”

The Green Jobs Act (H.R. 2847) authorizes up to $125 million in funding to establish national and state job training programs, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, to help address job shortages that are impairing growth in green industries, such as energy efficient buildings and construction, renewable electric power, energy efficient vehicles, and biofuels development.  It also helps to identify and track the new jobs and skills needed to grow the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.  Among other things, this effort would link research and development in the green industry to job standards and training curricula.

The new job training programs would create jobs that put workers on a path to financial self-sufficiency.  Funding for pathways out of poverty programs could be used to pay for the occupational training itself, as well for support services for workers while they are in the training, like child care.  Priority for these training programs would be given to veterans, displaced workers, and at-risk young people.

The Senate-passed version of the energy bill (H.R. 6) includes language similar to the Green Jobs Act (introduced by Sen. Sanders (I-VT) and Clinton (D-NY).  A conference committee will meet to work out differences between the House and Senate passed versions of the energy bill.  To be enacted into law, the final version of the energy bill must be approved by the House and Senate and signed by the President.

The Green Jobs Act is supported by a broad coalition of business, labor, environmental and civil rights organizations, including:  Apollo Alliance, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, National Association of Energy Service Companies, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Public Citizen, and Sierra Club.   

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