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Report: New Communications Technology = Good, Green Jobs
New communication technologies can be a key part of making our economy more energy-efficient and help create good jobs in the future, according to a new report.
“Networking the Green Economy: How Broadband and Related Technologies Can Build a Green Economic Future,” illustrates how a highly-networked economy with smart buildings, smart grids, teleconferencing and digital education will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and retain good, green jobs. The report was released yesterday at a Capitol Hill press conference by the Progressive States Network, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Sierra Club and the Blue Green Alliance. You can read the report here.
Speaking at the press conference, Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming said the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) much anticipated National Broadband Plan could be a key part of an economic recovery.
The plan, which was mandated by the economic stimulus legislation, will provide a blueprint for policymakers to provide high-speed Internet access to every American. The plan will be presented to Congress on March 17. As Markey says:
The broadband revolution is ‘Made in America,’ and continues to create millions of jobs while fundamentally transforming business, education and government. Ensuring access to broadband while investing in new smart grid technology… will empower the consumer with money-saving energy-efficiency tools.”
The report notes a study by the Climate Group that estimates transforming the way people and businesses use technology can reduce U.S. carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 13-22 percent by 2020, and potentially save between $140 and $240 billion in energy costs.
CWA Executive Vice President Annie Hill said:
Expanding broadband and smart grid will create good jobs. Investments in the green economy, which includes more efficient use of resources and power, are the job creators of the 21st century. Any national broadband plan must be focused on job creation.
Realizing the full potential and benefits of investments in broadband will require a significant upgrade in our communications infrastructure. Here’s Sierra Club President Allison Chin:
As a nation, we are facing critical choices. We must become global leaders in growing a clean energy economy that puts people back to work and restores America’s leadership, ingenuity and innovation.
Investing in new and emerging clean energy technologies will help establish America as a global leader in the clean energy economy, while preserving our environment for future generations, said David Foster, executive director of the Blue Green Alliance.
The jobs of the future should all be good, green jobs, and by taking action now on broadband and other technologies, we are putting ourselves in a position to create jobs and lead the world in the race for a clean energy economy.
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