Three of every four oil and gas lobbyists worked for federal government. With 600 lobbists who have very close relationships to DC, proposals to enact new restrictions or curb oil use have stalled amid concerted Republican opposition and strong objections from Democrats in oil-producing states.
Each year, even as many of us struggle against the cold winter days of February, we engage in a celebration of nature's renewal with the ritual of Tu BiSh'vat. Just as Israeli farmers begin to see signs of spring, Jews worldwide celebrate an ancient tradition marking the age of trees. With the rise of the environmental movement, Tu BiSh'vat has been branded the "Jewish Earth Day" and transformed from a minor observance into a mainstay of the Jewish calendar. Tu BiSh'vat has taken on many meanings to many people: a celebration of natural wonders, a chance to recommit ourselves to environmental stewardship, and a day to reflect on our role in the complex ecosystem that is planet Earth. But by now, we have heard all this before. Climate change is everywhere, green is the buzzword of the new century, and we are aware of our religious obligation to "till and tend" God's earth (Genesis 2:15). This year, however, we can move beyond a one-day celebration to more long-lasting and persistent efforts throughout the entire year that truly honor our environment.
Since I first wrote about the Apollo Project a couple of years ago, much has advanced. Just this past weekend, President Elect Barack Obama pledged a public works project on a vast scale that would emphasize green investment to achieve economic recovery. Indeed, the progress from vision to reality is truly impressive.
The announcement comes amid a growing consensus that to overcome the country’s economic crisis in a manner that is sustainable and forward thinking, the government needs embark on a "Green New Deal" investing in initiatives to repair infrastructure, increase the production and consumption of renewable energy, encourage energy efficiency, and upgrade the electricity grid. This sentiment has been echoed by leaders across the political spectrum, as well as abroad.
Of course, the Jewish community was a critical part of the original New Deal coalition, the grouping of voting blocs that supported the New Deal and voted for FDR who faced a right-wing backlash. That coalition not only proved to be a lasting political alignment that survived well into the late 1960s but also supported his economic recovery policy agenda.
Now that there is buzz of a "Green New Deal" it seems natural to ask what today's coalition will look like and assess in what way the Jewish community will be involved in these momentous changes.
Last week, Mayor Ron Dellums and Rep. Barbara Lee unveiled the Oakland Green Jobs Corps, a program designed to train young city residents to participate in green industry, which is rapidly expanding throughout California. While the program starts small by giving 40 young adults skills in green construction and solar panel installation, advocates hope that it will become a pilot for green jobs programs around the country. At a time when both jobs and new energy solutions are in high demand, there is clearly fertile ground for such initiatives. Weatherization programs, like the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program, have already provided 8,000 jobs weatherizing homes in low-income communities. These workers not only help communities reduce their carbon footprint, but they also help to lower the cost burden of heating and cooling by an average of 15% for low-income families.
