Examining Obama's Stimulus Package, Part 3: Green Jobs

This week, we're taking a look at how the environment figures into the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that Obama signed into law on Feb. 17.

According to Obama, the stimulus package will create or save 3.5 million jobs: The EPA and energy spending invest in a sustainable future by developing renewable energies and improving energy efficiency. But, as Obama pointed out in his speech to Congress last week, “to truly transform our economy, protect our security, and save our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy.” In addition to creating green jobs, the stimulus bill also provides $500 million “to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy.” 

This new green corps is generating a lot of excitement. If Obama convinces Congress to spend his goal of $15 billion per year on renewable, efficient energy, the green workforce will be the backbone of the new green economy.

-- Mario Aguilar