Climate Capsule Week of October 20

Quote:

“One of the cornerstones of my economic stimulus plan is an investment in changing our energy future by converting the challenge of a ‘carbon-constrained’ future into an opportunity to drive a clean energy future fueled by innovation, economic opportunity, local job growth, and environmental fortification.”

—While rolling out his plan for economic recovery, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine discusses the urgent need to jumpstart his state’s economy via investment in green jobs and clean energy.  

Economic Message of the Week
America’s Sportsmen Want Clean Energy Investments That Stimulate Economy, Protect Wildlife

A majority of American sportsmen believe that additional development of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and biofuels will do more to stimulate our economy than additional development of on- and offshore oil and gas sources, according to a recent poll by American Viewpoint, commissioned by National Wildlife Federation Action Fund.

Seven in 10 sportsmen voters believe the country is on the wrong track when it comes to meeting our current and future energy needs, including 72 percent of those undecided in the presidential contest.

Eighty-five percent agree that “We can improve the environment and strengthen the economy by investing in renewable energy technologies that create jobs while reducing global warming.”

More than three-quarters of sportsmen believe the United States needs to set a goal of achieving 100 percent of its electricity from clean renewable sources of power within 10 years.

The sportsmen polled tend to be swing voters who consider conservation to be as important as, if not more important than, gun rights. Despite the strong presence of hunters in the poll (67 percent either hunt or hunt and fish), 47 percent of these respondents believe that “Gun rights are important, but conservation is just as important.”

A report released in September on green jobs found that, in addition to creating two million jobs nationwide over two years, a $100 billion initial investment in our clean energy future would create nearly four times more jobs than spending the same amount of money within the oil industry.

For more information, please contact Craig Culp at 202-797-6637 or culpc@nwf.org.

Economic Study: California’s Green Policies Successful Over The Decades

Three decades of energy efficient policies in California have created nearly 1.5 million jobs in the state, according to a new report released this week.

The Center for Energy, Resources and Economic Sustainability at the University of California, Berkeley reports improved compensation in the state overall by $44.6 billion from 1977 to 2007.

“Energy efficiency is very good for real incomes, purchasing power and job creation,” study author and economist David Roland-Holst told the Associated Press. “Energy efficiency has really helped us stimulate the economy.”

California’s pioneering climate change legislation requires that carbon dioxide emissions be cut to 1990 levels by 2020. Residents who save money on energy bills, via energy efficiency requirements, spend this money on other goods and services, which helps boost the entire state infrastructure.

Continued efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will ultimately benefit California's economy by cutting costs, adding jobs, and saving residents money, according to another report.

“These reports support the conclusion that guiding California toward a clean energy future with reduced dependence on fossil fuels will grow our economy, improve public health, protect the environment and create a more secure future built on clean and sustainable technologies,” said Mary Nichols, Air Resources Board Chairman.