GreenSage E-zine 02/2008

National Coalition Announces Groundbreaking National Green Jobs Conference

A national coalition of over 80 organizations have announced plans for "Good Jobs, Green Jobs: A National Green Jobs Conference" to be held in Pittsburgh on March 13 and 14, 2008 — the first ever national forum to bring together such a diverse coalition of stakeholders to discuss the economic and employment benefits of a clean energy future. The conference is being coordinated by the Blue-Green Alliance, a partnership of the United Steelworkers and the Sierra Club.

The event will launch a nationwide dialogue about moving our country rapidly toward leadership in promoting the benefits of a new green economy and will bring together advocates representing local, state and federal policymakers; labor; business; the environment and public health; economic and workforce development specialists; investors; and scientists and technology experts. Speakers will include Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, USW International President Leo W. Gerard, Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, ArcelorMittal North America CEO Lou Schorsch, Ella Baker Center President and Co-Founder Van Jones, and many other community, environmental, union, business and elected leaders.

"The diverse array of leaders addressing this conference — environmentalists, industrialists, labor leaders, community organizers, elected officials and many others — underscores who stands to gain from a green jobs-driven economic renaissance: just about everyone," said Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive. "Green jobs are helping keep the economy afloat today and this conference will explore how they can create a cleaner, stronger, and more just economy for tomorrow."

USW International President Leo W. Gerard called the conference a turning point for the movement to revitalize American manufacturing through investment in clean and renewable energy sources. "This coalition of leaders from government, various industries, unions and environmental groups has the experience and foresight to begin changing the world today," he said. "By working together, we can stem the tide of global warming and create millions of good, sustainable and family supporting jobs."

Participants will discuss the potential economic benefits of global warming solutions and share best practices about how to revitalize American manufacturing, promote green construction, advocate for the substitution of toxic chemicals and address the impact of globalization on global warming.

For more information, including a program, complete lists of speakers, conveners, and sponsors please visit: www.greenjobsconference.org