.jpg)
Historic Context From 1973 to 1980, Connecticut had at least ten solar manufacturers providing jobs in system design, manufacturing and installation. The loss of federal funding led to the collapse of these businesses. Connecticut learned a lesson from the demise of this promising industry: sustained and orderly development free of boom and bust funding periods is necessary for creation and maintenance of green jobs in its economy. These jobs, which require skill development, can be an important engine of economic growth. Connecticut has a history of environmental activism and strong environmental regulation. Studies conducted at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as early as the 1992 demonstrate that states with strong environmental policies excel in economic performance.1 Since the late 1990s, Connecticut has adopted a range of measures and programs to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy, funded by the federal and state governments and utility ratepayers. These efforts have given Connecticut an advantage in developing a green economy. However, we have not taken necessary steps to effectively address related job development. There is no clear definition of a green job. Agencies and educational institutions involved in green job development do not adequately coordinate their efforts. Certifications of skills are not consistent, nor are programs for development of needed skills. There is no single state agency with authority or responsibility for ensuring Connecticut is maximizing federal funding related to green jobs. The following are steps Connecticut has taken related to energy efficiency and renewable energy:
Connecticut has the opportunity to build on renewed federal interest in creating a more energy efficient and sustainable future, supported by federal stimulus funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan of 2009 (ARRA). In 2009, Connecticut received a $3.36 million from the U.S. Department of Labor in ARRA funding to expand green jobs training and education initiatives. Connecticut's funding proposal was developed by the Connecticut Green Jobs Partnership, a public-private labor and education consortium created by Executive Order No. 23. The Office of Workforce Competitiveness, with guidance from the partnership, is responsible for implementing the initiatives in the proposal and strategic plan. Included among the initiatives to be pursued:
The opportunities related to pursuing green job initiatives include new business and job creation, retraining unemployed and underemployed individuals during the economic downturn, providing opportunities for career advancement in energy efficiency and sustainability, reducing dependence on foreign oil, strengthening national security, promoting the use of domestic renewable energy resources, reducing the taxpayer burdens relating to inefficient public buildings, reducing household and business burdens relating to inefficient homes and buildings, and mitigating environmental impacts and climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Connecticut must maximize federal funds for development of green jobs. We must develop a clear definition of green jobs, with clear standards for certification and licensing that are recognized nationally, as well as in Connecticut. Education and training programs must be designed to develop job skills and create career tracks for an evolving green economy. They must lead to appropriate skill level certifications, including degree programs and licensing. Green jobs need to be defined in a measurable manner to ensure it is possible to track progress on initiatives, and Connecticut must track education, certification and licensing, as well as placement in green jobs.
1 Meyer, Stephen M., Environmentalism and Economic Prosperity, p. iv., MIT, October 1992.
|
Panel Membership: Panel members represented government, education, labor, the environmental community and the investor owned electric utilities. Legislators: Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Workforce Development Boards University of Connecticut Institute for Sustainable Energy Connecticut Community Colleges Connecticut Technical Schools Grow Jobs Connecticut Connecticut Trades Environmental Energy Solutions Environment Connecticut Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition Northeast Utilities United Illuminating |