Forecast Temporarily Cloudy for
 Green Jobs

With President Obama's support, enthusiasm for "going green" has almost reached a fever pitch. After all, there is the promise of curbing America's over reliance on fossil fuels, inflicting less dam­age to our environment, and the important promise of an abun­dance of newly created "green jobs."

As perfect as this scenario seems, experts have expressed some doubts that all of the promise of the green economy will come to fruition, according to the US News and World Report.

In order to get the green project off the ground, a huge finan­cial investment is needed. President Obama has plans to invest $150 billion towards clean-energy, with $70 billion already in the works as part of the governments stimulus bill. However, some industry experts feel that the government can only do so much; the private sector also needs to take a bigger lead in developing renewable energy sources. Unfortunately, the recession has affected the green movement-private financing has dwindled for wind projects, and solar firms are laying off workers.

Experts such as Peter Morici, a business professor at the University of Maryland and a former chief economist at the US International Trade Commission, are also skeptical of President Obama's plan to create five million green jobs within the next 10 years. "We can't devote that many people to that activity in this economy," he says, "without incurring very substantial costs, unbearable costs." Others point out that the 3.5 million workers currently employed by traditional energy industries may be adversely affected by the growth of the green energy industry.

The important question critics ask is: What kind of green jobs will be available? Skeptics point out that the majority of jobs created will be blue collar, entry-level positions for con­struction workers, welders, and technicians. Wages for these green positions are currently much lower than average, about 20 percent less than the average for a comparable position in the oil industry. Unions are already positioning themselves to fight for higher pay, good benefits, and workers' rights.

On the other hand, the release of federal stimulus funds should spur steady growth in the field. The Chicago Tribune reports that some states are implementing energy efficiency programs and "renewable energy sourcing from state utilities," which suggests that the energy efficiency industry will enjoy good prospects long after the stimulus money is used Skilled and certified energy auditors and energy raters will be needed to "identify leaky ducts and inadequate insulation and recommend improvements for heating and cooling." There is currently a shortage of certified workers in these professions in some states. Other opportunities will be available for roofers, insulation, installers, and carpenters.

While there may be skepticism and debate regarding this issue, nearly everyone agrees that the greening of American industry and culture is needed. Our supply of fossil fuels is dwindling and the use of these fuels is causing pollution and global warming. Clean, alternate sources of energy will be our only option. The question is how, and to what cost, will we accomplish this goal?

(US News & World Report; Chicago Tribune)

Weak Economy Allowing Army to be More Choosy Regarding New Recruits

Felons and recent drug abusers will no longer be accepted into the Army as a result of the growing volume and quality of applicants due to the recession. This comes as good news to some Army offi­cials who worried that lax recruiting standards were affecting the quality of our nations largest fighting force. Additionally, the Army estimates that 90 percent of its 2009 recruits will have at least a high school diploma.

(The Washington Post)

Upcoming Meetings

• WIB Executive Committee Meeting: Thursday October 8th 8:00am WIB Office
• YC Mentoring Committee Meeting: Tuesday October 13th 1:00pm WIB Office
• WIB Planning Evaluation Committee Meeting: Wednesday October 14th 1:30pm WIB Office
• YC Graduation Committee Meeting: Monday October 26th 11:00am WIB Office
• YC Executive Committee Meeting: Tuesday October 27th 9:00am WIB Office