Obama Unveils Green Plan, Lauded by Green Party of Canada
OHIO--President-elect Barack Obama was in Ohio yesterday at a plant which produces parts for wind turbines, announcing his government's intention to make a significant investment in renewable energy as part of his plan to invigorate the US economy.
He pointed out that other countries such as Japan, Spain and Germany are already ahead of the game when it comes to investment in successful green industries such as wind power, saying that if the US government doesn't start investing as well, they will be left behind. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, approximately $44.4 billion was invested in wind projects worldwide last year, with the industry now employing 350,000 people worldwide.
"It's not too late to change course, but only if we take dramatic action as soon as possible. We're looking to create good jobs that pay well and won't be shipped overseas," Obama said at the plant. "And they're the kind of jobs that don't just support families and sustain communities - but also help transform our economy, spurring growth not just today, but for decades to come." Mr. Obama continued.
House Democrats have proposed a stimulus measure that would provide $11 billion to modernize the electrical grid, $8 billion in loans for renewable energy projects and $2 billion to promote research into vehicle batteries, as well as $400 million to state and local governments to buy more fuel-efficient buses and trucks. A report issued by the US Department of Energy says that the goal of having 20 percent of the US's electricity needs met through renewable energy by 2030 is feasible.
A study released by the Alliance for American Manufacturing reiterates that infrastructure spending is the best way to create jobs. The study was conducted by economists at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and reports that for every $1 billion in new infrastructure spending, 18,000 new jobs are created.
"Mr. Obama is showing real leadership, something that is sorely lacking right now in Canadian politics," said Green Party of Canada Leader Elizabeth May. "Canada can now take its cue from the new President and also get on board with plans for a green economy, creating new jobs and a cleaner environment." As Mr. Obama said, "a renewable energy economy isn't some pie-in-the-sky, far-off future. It's happening all across America right now. It's providing alternatives to foreign oil now. It can create millions of additional jobs and entire new industries if we act right now."
Mr. Obama made the remarks just before leaving for a whistle stop train tour to promote the economic stimulus plan.
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Contact:
Michael Bernard
Communications Officer
Green Party of Canada
Office : 613 562 4916 ext. 244
Cell : 613 614 4916
Fax : 613 482 4632
