Speaker's Green Jobs Panel

Green Jobs Panel Report

In light of the federal funding infusion for green jobs development and conservation, rapidly evolving technical standards and certifications of skill levels, the myriad training programs in the state, and the importance in economic development, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Christopher Donovan, convened a Green Jobs Panel to review current efforts in Connecticut related to green jobs and make recommendations to promote development of green jobs for consideration by the legislature. The Panel met on January 7, 21 and 28, 2010. Participants presented background information and legislative recommendations.

Conclusion:

Relative to other states, Connecticut is well-positioned to develop a strong green economy. To do so, we need to maximize available federal funding and coordinate the efforts of agencies and educational institutions to ensure an appropriately trained workforce to meet emerging demand.

Next Steps:

The Energy and Technology Committee will raise a bill on green jobs that includes the individual recommendations listed above. The Committee will conduct a public hearing to allow interested parties to comment on the recommendations.

News Blog

March 9, 2010
SPEAKER DONOVAN TESTIFIES IN SUPPORT OF GREEN JOBS BILL
Says there is "vast, largely untapped potential for green jobs-related growth" in CT
Calling green jobs "the jobs of the future," Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today urged passage of HB 5465, An Act Concerning the Development of Green Jobs, in testimony before the General Assembly's Energy and Technology Committee. [The full text of his testimony is attached.] READ MORE

March 4, 2010
GREEN JOBS
Speaker of the House Chris Donovan and Energy and Technology Chair Rep. Vickie Nardello joined the Green Jobs Coalition at a press conference on creating jobs in Connecticut's green business sectors and ensuring that the state continues to meet the environmental standards that have made it a model for the rest of the country.

March 1, 2010
SPEAKER DONOVAN'S PANELS ON GREEN JOBS AND ELECTRIC RATE RELIEF RELEASE REPORTS OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Donovan says green jobs and electric rate relief will lead to job growth in state
Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) and Energy Committee co-chair Rep. Vickie Nardello (D-Bethany, Cheshire, Prospect) today announced the release of two reports from separate working groups that the Speaker created earlier this year to investigate the issues of green jobs and electric rate relief in the state. READ MORE

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