Pennsylvania has recently passed some of the most aggressive energy policy reform in the country.  According to state law, in 2021 eighteen percent of Pennsylvania’s power must be renewable energy. As of 2006, only 2.4% of PA’s energy was renewable. This legally mandated increase in the consumption of renewable energy requires a substantial increase in both manpower and the programs to train them. It’s a big change that’s going to require a big effort!

In order to take full advantage of this great opportunity to improve both our economy and our environment, Pennsylvanians have to make a commitment.  You can’t harness wind power without workers to mold the steel and attach the windmill to the base.  You can’t use solar panels to run a blender and refrigerator without installation specialists.  And you can’t do any of these things without green organizers to push for the programs and the programs to train the people.

Although PA has been a leader thus far in the green economy, much expansion is necessary to remain a front-runner in the race to be both clean and green.  By CLICKING HERE, you can look at some of our nation's most innovative programs to prepare people with the skills necessary to expand America's use of renewable energy.

Green Economy in Pennsylvania

• In 2002, the number of paid Pennsylvania employees working in hydroelectric, solar, wind, and tidal energy conversion into electric energy was less than one thousand.

• Pennsylvania is ranked 14th in use renewable energy according to the Energy Information Administration.

• Pennsylvania currently has 93 LEED certified buildings in PA. Pennsylvania is second only to California in total number of LEED certified green buildings. 

• Pittsburgh ranks third for LEED builds. We have sixteen and rank behind only Seattle and Portland.

Green Economy and Jobs
In Pennsylvania, there are 553,000 jobs in the areas that could see significant wage andemployment increases. The solution to global warming requires a broad range of people with different training and skills. Carpenters, electricians, operations managers, machinists, welders, and truck drivers are all indispensible in the implementation of a green economy. (Natural Resources Defense Council, May 2008)

Green Economy and the Country
Investing in a greener economy is important to both presumptive presidential nominees.  Senator Obama plans to invest $150 million dollars to bring 5 million new green jobs into our economy.  McCain also agrees that the demand for green jobs over the coming years will do nothing but rise, though his campaign hasn’t provided any specific figures.  As an early leader in green development, Pennsylvania has the opportunity to be a model for other cities and states around the country.