All politicians like to talk about the creation of jobs, which is naturally a never-ending issue of immediate concern to the constituents and voters they represent. America has had to face lately which sorts of jobs are ethical to continue, given what we know, and what sorts of industries we need more people working in, and thus greater awareness of and access to training for. Nowhere does this question seem more pressing than in the realities of climate change we are witnessing daily. 

Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) recently introduced H.R. 4148, the Green Jobs and Opportunity Act. Recognizing, among nine other findings, that a) 3.26 million workers are currently employed in clean-energy-related jobs, according to the 2019 Clean Job America report by E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs), and b) an estimated 24 million new clean energy jobs will be needed globally by 2030 to transition to a clean economy, according to the International Labor Organization. Rep. Delgado has seen an opportunity for us, both New Yorkers and Americans, to get a head start supporting this overlapping of economic growth and environmental action.

Continuing this trend toward intersectional thinking — that issues seen as separate are actually often connected or overlapping — this bill will seek to provide educational and training opportunities to underrepresented populations and students through the creation of grants.

Its immediate action, if passed, will be to gather information through a report on current trends and shortages within four months of the act’s passage, continued quarterly henceforth, as well as a one-time report on future trends and shortages within a year. The Secretary of Labor will work with the Secretary of Energy on these reports, and will make recommendations based on them, including how Americans can address existing lacks in preparation. Locally, that may include new jobs in agriculture and forestry, plus other specialized fields.

Working in tandem with H.R. 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019, Americans can hit goals set forth by leading scientists on how to reduce carbon emissions, slow down the effects of climate change, and prepare for a new economy that recognizes the severity of the issues we’re facing and tackles them as a productive (and lucrative) society.

A quick internet search can teach you more about these bills. Representatives need to hear your support, and people need to know these solutions currently exist. So be sure to spread the word and maybe even pick up the phone.
Kevin Larkin Angioli
High Falls