September 22, 2009: Global Climate Accord Could Create 10 Million Jobs
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says a global agreement to regulate greenhouse gases could create 10 million jobs. Blair is in New York City where Climate Week is underway.
President Obama warned that inaction on climate change could lead to “irreversible catastrophe.”
Energy Secretary Stephen Chu said that reaching an international climate deal in Copenhagen this December would be an important victory, but the development of clean technologies is the most important. In his GridWeek address, Chu also announced $100 million in funding for a smart grid workforce training program.
The Department of Transportation announced that 43 municipal transit agencies would share $100 million in clean transportation grants.
Recently announced federal fuel efficiency standards would allow auto makers to offset emissions from vehicles that deviate from the new regulations with credits generated by more efficient vehicles.
Senator Barbara Boxer (D. - California) hopes to introduce climate and clean energy legislation to the Senate by October 5th.
Senator Sherrod Brown (D. - Ohio) wants to add money for clean energy manufacturing to the climate bill. Senator Brown’s IMPACT ACT - a plan to implement a $30 billion dollar revolving loan fund to strengthen green manufacturing - was influenced by the Apollo Alliance’s GreenMAP.
The E.P.A.’s “Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR” tour is educating kids on energy efficiency.
Spinning flywheels - a centuries-old technology - is helping to make energy move smoothly and cleanly.
Local Green: The California Energy Commission wants televisions sold in the state to consume 33 percent less energy by 2011.
Sacramento, California kicked off the “Got Your Bags?” campaign last week to raise awareness about the importance of plastic bag recycling.
–Christopher Greenspan
Tags: Barbara Boxer, California, Clean Transportation, Department of Transportation, energy efficiency, EnergyStar, EPA, fuel efficiency standards, GridWeek, IMPACT ACT, Sacramento, Sherrod Brown, smart grid, Stephen Chu, Televisions