Are Green Jobs Good Jobs?

  • Members of the US Chamber of Commerce are debating whether green investments will create as many jobs as supporters claim. (Photo courtesy of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

One of the big buzzwords surrounding the 870-billion dollar stimulus package signed by President Obama is green jobs. Tamara Keith found now the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is interested in green investments — sort of:

Transcript

One of the big buzzwords surrounding the 870-billion dollar stimulus package signed by President Obama is green jobs. Tamara Keith found now the US Chamber of Commerce is interested in green investments — sort of:

In the past, the Chamber has ridiculed all things environmental. But, its members want to catch this green wave. A recent panel discussion revealed some of the business leaders are optimistic about the stimulus package’s green investments. Mark Santacrose is CEO of TectaAmerica Corp. It installs environmentally friendly roofing.

“We’ve lost over 900,000 jobs in the broader construction industry in the last year. Investment in green will have a big impact.”

The energy industry wants in on stimulus funds too. Mary Miller is a vice president at the Edison Electric Institute:

“The more efficient use of energy has invaluable benefits to consumers, the economy and our country.”

But, an economist on the panel was not as thrilled. He told Chamber of Commerce members that spending on green jobs will mean fewer jobs would be created overall.

For the Environment Report, I’m Tamara Keith.

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