The full presentations are available at www.housedems.ct.gov/GreenJobs.
- Green Jobs in the US and Connecticut: Reality and Potential, Dr. Roger Bezdek, Management Information Services, Washington, DC.: In 2007, one trillion dollars was spent nationally in environmental protection, renewable energy and energy efficiency, more than the combined sales of the three largest corporations in the US (WalMart, Exxon Mobil and GM). Green technologies created jobs in two main categories — college educated professionals and highly skilled technical workers with advanced training. It is estimated that federal stimulus monies will create 230,000 jobs between 2009-2011 nationally. Connecticut may get 3-4,000 jobs.
Dr. Bezdek indicated there is neither a standard definition for green jobs, nor reliable estimates of existing green jobs or reliable forecasts for the future. Green jobs are currently defined by category. He estimates the number of green jobs as 9% of total jobs in Connecticut, slightly more than the national average, as follows: 70,000 in environmental protection; 7,000 in renewable energy; and 116,000 in energy efficiency.
Dr. Bezdek estimates the number of jobs that could be created by 2030 in Connecticut by sector and job. He discussed the recruitment of green companies to Connecticut to take advantage of the skilled workforce, building clusters around industry sectors, and using many points of entrance.
Dr. Bezkek indicated that Connecticut must use rigorous methods to track the impact of green jobs spending. Planning estimates must be based on realistic expectations. He recommends: developing a reliable baseline for green jobs data; developing forecasts regarding realistic scenarios; coordinating the diverse green initiatives of various state agencies; coordinating the efforts of private and quasi public agencies; coordinating with labor and educational officials to identify emerging new green jobs occupations; and targeting education and training to realistic objectives.
- Programs Review and Investigations Committee — Green jobs portion of its Report on the Alignment of Post Secondary Education and Employment: The report discusses the factors driving the green jobs movement, defining green collar jobs, developing the green collar field and future opportunities, and delivering education and training. The report also provides detailed analysis of funding and current green jobs efforts.
- Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF): CCEF reported on its programming and funding. It indicated that renewable energy is a relatively small industry in Connecticut with significant growth opportunity. The industry is struggling as a result of a loss of subsidies due to the economy. Ten employers account for half the renewable and energy efficiency jobs and revenues, mostly focused on services, with only limited manufacturing outside of fuel cells. Less than 15 companies, excluding fuel cells, manufacture in Connecticut. The most immediate job creation is in energy efficiency and energy management. Public funding and strategic financing are critical to this industry. Targeted financing and subsidies preserve and create jobs and are vital to the building of this industry along with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.
- Navigant Consulting: Navigant Consulting, on behalf of CCEF, reported on "New Technology Investments That Will Advance Connecticut's Clean Energy Industry." It identified 80 opportunities within five investment areas. Those investment areas include high efficiency building systems, distributed power systems, industrial energy efficiency, utility power generation and management, and renewable fuels production.
- University of Connecticut (UCONN): UCONN presented information on the Center for Clean Energy Engineering programs, including: commercialization of new technologies; public-private partnerships; research and development efforts; barriers to green job development; energy opportunities; test bed technologies; and its green campus initiative. It also provided an overview of its agriculture school programs.
- Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE): ISE presented information defining green collar jobs, why Connecticut needs such jobs, where they are located, the educational continuum needed, and development of career ladders.
- Connecticut Community Colleges: The community colleges presented information on their green energy initiatives, including: the Sustainable Operations: Alternative/Renewable(SOAR) Program; weatherization training; and the Connecticut Green Jobs Partnership.
- Connecticut Technical Schools: The technical schools presented an overview of their curriculum and instructor training.
- Connecticut trades: The Connecticut trades representative presented information regarding the number of currently licensed solar installers, the potential for additional solar installers and the issues that the trades face. Currently 11,931 people in Connecticut are eligible for certification in solar thermal technologies, but need additional training to take the exam to be certified to meet the increasing demand for solar installers.
- Environmental Energy Solutions: Environmental Energy Solutions provided an historic perspective, reviewing causes of past failures, the importance of sustained orderly development, and the importance of training standards.
- Environment Connecticut: Environment Connecticut estimates that every $1 million spent on energy efficiency results in 40 jobs, every $1 billion spent on mass transit results in 35,000 jobs, and every $1 million spent on clean water results in 10 to 100 jobs. He discussed the need for programs that target clean water treatment, forestry management, and sustainable agriculture.
- CL&P and UI: CL&P and UI reported on green jobs benefits of energy efficiency funding programs, estimating that Connecticut has 4,544 direct jobs and 7,270 indirect jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy. They indicated that expansion of current programs is both possible and beneficial.
- Connecticut Model Cities Program: Lee Grannis, Connecticut Model Cities Program, reported on the Clean Cities Recovery Act and the Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition, including its on its efforts to create demand for alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fuels.
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Panel Membership:
Panel members represented government, education, labor, the environmental community and the investor owned electric utilities.
Legislators:
Rep. Vickie Nardello, Chair
Rep. Elizabeth Esty
Rep. Henry Genga
Rep. Susan Johnson
Rep. Matt Lesser
Rep. James O'Rourke
Rep. Lonnie Reed
Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
Lisa Dondy
Workforce Development Boards
Joe Carbone
University of Connecticut
Prabakhar Singh
Dr. Cameron Faustman
Institute for Sustainable Energy
Eastern Connecticut State University
William Leahy
Connecticut Community Colleges
Shelly Jewell
Connecticut Technical Schools
Patricia Ciccone
Grow Jobs Connecticut
John Harrity
Connecticut Trades
Frank DaCato
Environmental Energy Solutions
Joel Gordes
Environment Connecticut
Christopher Phelps
Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition
Lee Grannis
Northeast Utilities
James Ferrentino
United Illuminating
Chris Ehlert |
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