5 Million Green Jobs: Extend Solar Tax Credit, Bring More Solar Jobs To NY
September 19th, 2008 by Ethan
It might be unlikely that we see any federal energy legislation before the 2008 Presidential Election in November.
But here is more evidence that suggests that extending and increasing tax credits for renewables across the country would have a major benefit not just to the country’s economy and environment, but a real local impact to NYC and NYS as well.
Since many solar energy components are manufactured near the markets the industry serves, extending the ITC would create manufacturing and installation jobs in all 50 states, with California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon and Washington as the states most likely to see the largest economic boost. In some states, the number of jobs could grow as much as 300% or more.
Similarly, the economies of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and the rest of the Great Lakes region would grow significantly from solar energy if Congress passes the ITC extension [...] The Navigant study also pointed out that the solar industry creates high quality domestic jobs. The greatest growth will occur in new manufacturing, construction, and engineering jobs, and in the roofing, electrical, and plumbing trades.
Read the full article.
Speaking of the big election coming this November 4th, how do the candidates pair up on renewable energy investment?
It sounds like these guys are all for it:
Invest In A Clean Energy Economy And Create 5 Million New Green Jobs:
Obama and Biden will invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial scale renewable energy, invest in low emissions coal plants, and begin transition to a new digital electricity grid. The plan will also invest in America’s highly-skilled manufacturing workforce and manufacturing centers to ensure that American workers have the skills and tools they need to pioneer the first wave of green technologies that will be in high demand throughout the world. [...] Obama and Biden will also extend the Production Tax Credit, a credit used successfully by American farmers and investors to increase renewable energy production and create new local jobs.
John McCain, not so much. According to his website, he wants to “commit our country” to expanding domestic oil exploration, he refuses to raise CAFE standards for cars, and wants to put $2B per year into coal. But what about renewable energy tax credits? He wants to “rationalize the current patchwork” of tax credits for this critical growth sector in the American economy. I’m not sure what he means by “rationalize,” but it sure doesn’t sound like he wants to increase nor extend these critical renewables tax credits.
Check out the LCV’s top 10 reasons to vote Obama/Biden in November.
Now is your chance to get involved! Support renewable energy and green jobs by helping to elect Barack Obama as President of the United States! Here’s how:
- Tell your friends in Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio to support solar jobs in their state!
- Use this tool to write a letter to the editor to any newspaper in the country (but especially papers in those states). LTE’s can be very effective, so give it a shot!
- Get involved locally at Brooklyn For Barack, Brooklyn neighborhoods for Barack, and at any of these events.
Register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and find your polling location at Vote For Change.
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September 19th, 2008 at 11:54 am
This is a crucial issue and it’s great to see GBK be a strong advocate for a sensible multi-faceted energy policy……diametrically opposite to “drill baby drill”……I hope GBK readers will in turn become advocates for a sane progressive policy.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
go green jobs! Even our local community college is supporting a training program for solar installers (and repairers). we’re showing the Van Jones DVD about his commitment to creating green jobs in the US. from your “sister” green city in Florida–
Green Tallahassee
September 28th, 2008 at 6:58 am
[...] Extend the solar tax credit and bring more jobs to New York City [...]
December 29th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Hello, I’m interested in becoming a Solar Panel Installer in Brooklyn, NY and surrounding NYC. Who can I contact?
Thank You