Green Recovery Bill Means Clean Energy Jobs

AUSTIN – Yesterday afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced a final deal on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The bill contains an estimated $70 billion in clean energy, energy efficiency, and public transportation funding.  Environment Texas Director Luke Metzger issued the following statement in response:

“With this economic recovery package, Congress seized the opportunity to repower America and recharge the economy.  The more than $70 billion in clean energy, energy efficiency, and public transportation funding will benefit every American because it means less global warming pollution; fewer asthma attacks from air pollution; more clean lakes and rivers for drinking water, swimming and fishing; more secure energy in the long term; and more good jobs right here at home.

“We commend President Obama and the House and Senate leadership for delivering a green economic recovery package.  The final package includes a fix to the renewable energy tax credits which will bolster wind energy.  New wind installations planned for the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009 alone will prevent 17.8 million tons of global warming pollution per year.

“Studies have shown that the clean energy investments we need to protect our environment and start solving global warming will create more jobs and stimulate the economy more than the dirty technologies of the past. We urge Congress to quickly deliver a final bill to President Obama so America can get on the path to a clean energy economy.”