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 (August 18, 2009 )-Across Kansas next week, labor union
leaders and environmental organizers will be discussing the future of .green. jobs in Kansas. Labor leaders from many major manufacturing unions in Kansas including the United Steelworkers,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, and United Auto Workers will gather with environmental leaders from organizations like the Sierra Club, Great Plains
Alliance for Clean Energy, and the Climate and Energy Project. The Wichita meeting will take place on Wednesday August 26 from 11:30 to 1:00 pm at the CWA, 530. E. Harry.
“The old tradeoff between jobs and environment is obsolete. The new generation of green jobs can support families, improve our environment and sustain our communities,” said
Nancy Jackson, Executive Director of the Climate and Energy Project. .
More wind turbines and solar panels not only mean less dependence on foreign oil, but also
new positions in the manufacturing, transport and maintenance of these products. Kansans will definitely benefit by creating new jobs and exporting energy to other regions of the nation..
The presentations will take place:
Wednesday, August 26 from 11:30am-1:00pm
CWA Local 6402
530 E Harry
Wichita, KS 67211
Thursday, August 27
from 11:30am -1:00pm
USW Local 307
1603 NW Taylor Street
Topeka, KS 66608
Thursday, August 27th from 6:00-7:30pm
Vs Italian Restaurant
10819 E US Highway 40
Independence, MO 64055
Presentations will be led by Katie Gulley, Regional Program Manager of the Blue Green Alliance. Gulley will present the key findings for Kansas, and the federal energy policies that
can drive even more green jobs to our state. One recent report from the Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP) finds that Kansas stands to gain more than 11,000 manufacturing
jobs in the renewable energy industry, pumping more than $1.97 billion into the state'ss economy.
“Kansas workers will be employed manufacturing wind turbine components, retrofitting
homes and businesses with high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and creating the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Emil Ramirez of the United Steelworkers.
“This conversation between environmental and labor leaders is critical as we work to create jobs that can protect both the environment and Kansas workers,”. said Stephanie Cole of
the Sierra Club.
Partners in the Kansas Blue Green Alliance include:
- Climate and Energy Project of the Land Institute (CEP)
- The Sierra Club
- Great Plains Alliance for Clean Energy (GPACE)
- Kansas Rural Center
- Greenpeace
- United Steelworkers
- Communication Workers of America
- UAW Local 31
- Kansas AFL-CIO
- Kansas Farmers Union
- Building a Sustainable Earth Community
About The Kansas Blue Green Alliance
The Kansas Blue Green Alliance is a state chapter of the national partnership of the United
Steelworkers, Communications Workers of America, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club. Two of North America's largest private sector manufacturing unions
and two of the nation's largest environmental organizations. It promotes programs and policies that result in the development of the green economy. About The Climate and Energy Project
About the Climate and Energy Project
The Climate and Energy Project (CEP) is a non-profit organization supporting informed
conversations about our energy future. Under the umbrella of the Land Institute, CEP's goal is to make the Midwest more energy efficient and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
CEP works to advance creative implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies that are environmentally and socially sustainable. By staying on top of climate
and energy issues today, CEP will help make it possible for future generations -our children and grandchildren -to stay on the Plains in the future.
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