A new green (jobs) giant?

by: Erica Brody

Thu Mar 11, 2010 at 15:45:02 PM EST

While the naysayers are denying that climate change exists (despite the abundant scientific evidence), the renewable energy market has been swelling in some regions. For Colorado, where solar companies alone employ 2,500 people, renewables are generating job growth, not just energy, as well as attracting new businesses.

In response to the successes of new green technologies in the state and public pressure for job creation, the Colorado House this week passed a bill that would increase Colorado’s renewable energy standard (RES) to 30% by 2020.

There's new energy in town, and it's powering a boom that will make Colorado a leader in recovering from this financial downturn. This clean, renewable energy will grow Colorado's economy and lead to a brighter future.

There are key sections of [the bill] that will ensure that these RES jobs come with good wages, benefits and steady employment for Coloradans….

Requiring a third of our power to come from renewable sources is a great example of doing well by doing good. We will cut our carbon footprint, stabilize or even lower our energy costs, and remove pollutants from our air. We get all this while building opportunity for growing  businesses and creating good jobs. That's a darned good deal.