FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 15 January 2008
Contact: David Willett, 202.675.6698
Josh Dorner, 202.675.2384
Primary Issues--Jobs and Clean Energy
FACT CHECK: Clean Energy, Fuel Economy and Growing Michigan’s Economy
Energy and global warming issues continue to play a high profile role in
the Presidential Primary process. Most recently the issues have arisen
late in the Michigan primary with discussion of how cleaner energy
solutions may effect Michigan workers and the economy. The Sierra Club
released the following fact-check to measure against any claims made by
candidates about the clean energy solutions that can, in fact, curb global
warming while creating jobs:
Myth: Clean energy policies will cost Michigan jobs
Fact: Clean energy could create 34,777 new manufacturing jobs at 2,050
Michigan companies
· 24,350 new jobs manufacturing components for wind turbines
· 6,650 new jobs manufacturing solar components
· 3,783 new jobs manufacturing biomass and geothermal energy components
Jobs and economic growth for key Michigan counties:
· Wayne: 3,431 jobs at 228 companies, with $557 million in economic
growth
· Oakland: 3,063 jobs at 306 companies, with $480 million in economic
growth
· Macomb: 3,227 jobs at 260 companies, with $465 million in economic
growth
· Kent: 3,575 jobs at 172 companies, with $514 million in economic
growth
An independent analysis commissioned by the Blue-Green Alliance, a
partnership of the Sierra Club and the United Steelworkers, released last
November examined which manufacturing firms would benefit from a national
commitment to get approximately 20 percent of our electricity from
renewable sources. The study found that over 820,000 new manufacturing
jobs would be created nationwide, with the bulk going to the states that
have suffered the most as manufacturing jobs have fled the country in
recent years.
· Details: http://www.sierraclub.org/bluegreenjobs
· Summary of study data and map of firms in Michigan:
http://www.sierraclub.org/energy/bluegreenjobs/downloads/mi.pdf
· In the news: "Groups Push Renewable Energy," Detroit News, 16
November 2007
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007711160371
MYTH: The increase in fuel economy (CAFE) standards will hurt Michigan and
the economy.
FACT: Raising fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 will create jobs,
save consumers billions, and make us more energy independent.
· Create 170,800 new jobs, including 22,300 in the auto industry
· Create 8,500 new jobs in Michigan alone
· Save 1.1 million barrels of oil each day
· Save consumers $22 billion at the pump
The Union of Concerned Scientists analyzed the benefits of the CAFE
provision that Congress passed by overwhelming margins and was signed into
law on December 19, 2007. The measure was supported by environmentalists,
the United Autoworkers, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, and
influential Michigan legislators including Rep. John Dingell and Sen. Carl
Levin.
Detailed UCS Analysis:
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/fuel_economy/fuel-economy-jobs-and-consumer-savings.html
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