Background

Green jobs have a direct and positive impact on the environment. These jobs provide services, technologies or products that conserve energy, protect natural resources and biodiversity, or reduce pollution. Although green jobs can be broadly defined, the green jobs movement is often focused on clean energy development and green building design.  Jobs in these sectors simultaneously mitigate climate change, promote economic development, and enhance energy security.

Green jobs can be either "green" collar or blue-collar. Examples of green professions include environmental consultants, green building architects, environmental lawyers, clean energy technicians, conservation biologists, environmental engineers and organic farmers. Many of the blue-collar jobs are related to construction of more energy efficient housing and commercial properties. Because of the abundance of non-professional opportunities, the green jobs movement has the potential to offer careers in economically disadvantaged communities.

United States

Recognizing the many benefits of relocating workers to green industries, Federal and local governments have launched programs to encourage job growth in these sectors.  In February 2009, the U.S. Congress passed the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which was subsequently signed into law. Although the act primarily focused on economic reform, provisions within the bill are specifically aimed at creating jobs in green industries.  The Departments of Labor, Housing and Urban Development and Energy have all subsequently announced programs with funding for green projects.

New York State

In New York, Governor Paterson signed the Green Jobs/Green New York Program into law in October of 2009. This program will provide funding to communities, homes, small businesses and non-profit organizations for energy-efficient retrofitting over the next five years. The Program's goal is to create jobs and stimulate the economy, while reducing energy use and addressing environmental challenges.

NYLCVEF

NYLCV Education Fund believes that expanding and creating new green jobs in all sectors of the economy is vital to solving today's critical environmental problems. In particular, establishing jobs in the renewable energy, energy efficiency and green building industries will both combat climate change and improve our economy.

References/Resources:

> Green Jobs/Green New York

> NYSERDA Green Jobs

> Recovery Act

To learn more about green job opportunities related to the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, visit:

> Recovery.org's jobs page

Additional green job opportunities:

> Apollo Alliance

 > EcoEmploy

> Greenjobs.com

> Greenjobs.net

> Sustain Lane