Obama’s Energy Plan - Part 2
President-Elect Obama has been making plans for his administration this past week. It is certain that plans on how to prevent a downward spiral into a deep recession are being discussed at length. One of Obama’s plans to invest in a secure future when it comes to energy could help, once it is put into action. This plan includes the creation of 5 million new “green jobs,” creating a “Green Vet Initiative,” and converting existing manufacturing centers to use clean technology, which will lead to job training programs.
With a planned investment of $150 billion over a 10 year period, Obama plans to create 5 million new green jobs. These jobs will be the result of developing renewable energy, next generation bio-fuels and a digital energy grid.
As troops come home from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, the veterans will have access to a “Green Vet Initiative” program. This program will consist of career counseling, as well as job training and educational programs to prepare them for the new technologies being developed.
In addition, Obama wants to encourage existing and closed manufacturing centers to convert to new, clean technology. To do this, a federal grant will be allocated to those states to support the modernization of the facilities. The capital infusion into small and mid-sized companies will assist them in moving into a green and clean future.
As the new green technologies begin to take hold, a new type of workforce will be required. To support this workforce, Obama will increase funding to the job training programs so that additional programs and training will be available. In addition, there will be youth focused energy jobs. These jobs will allow the youth that participate to improve their own communities through energy efficiency and developing skills that they will need as they enter adulthood and enter the workforce.
These plans could put many people back to work and prevent a deepening recession once they are in place. As with any political promise, we must wait and see what happens once he is sworn in and begins the work needed to turn our economy around.
Source: www.barackobama.com
Photo courtesy of www.barackobama.com
