FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12 February 2008CONTACT: Josh Dorner (Sierra Club) 202-675-2384 Tony Montana (USW) 412-562-2592 National Coalition Announces Groundbreaking National Green Jobs Conference Union, Environmental, Business and Elected Leaders to Discuss Economic, Environmental Potential of Green Collar Jobs PITTSBURGH -- A national coalition of over 80 organizations today announcedplans for "Good Jobs, Green Jobs: A National Green Jobs Conference," to beheld in Pittsburgh on March 13 and 14, 2008--the first ever national forumto bring together such a diverse coalition of stakeholders to discuss theeconomic and employment benefits of a clean energy future. The conferenceis being coordinated by the Blue-Green Alliance, a partnership of theUnited Steelworkers and the Sierra Club. The event will launch a nationwide dialogue about moving our countryrapidly toward leadership in promoting the benefits of a new green economyand will bring together advocates representing local, state and federalpolicymakers; labor; business; the environment and public health; economicand workforce development specialists; investors; and scientists andtechnology experts. Speakers will include Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, USWInternational President Leo W. Gerard, Sierra Club Executive Director CarlPope, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, ArcelorMittal NorthAmerica CEO Lou Schorsch, Ella Baker Center President and Co-Founder VanJones, as well as many other community, environmental, union, business andelected leaders. "The diverse array of leaders addressing thisconference--environmentalists, industrialists, labor leaders, communityorganizers, elected officials and many others--underscores who stands togain from a green jobs-driven economic renaissance: just about everyone,"said Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive. "Green jobs are helping keep theeconomy afloat today and this conference will explore how they can create acleaner, stronger, and more just economy for tomorrow." USW International President Leo W. Gerard called the conference a turningpoint for the movement to revitalize American manufacturing throughinvestment in clean and renewable energy sources. "This coalition of leaders from government, various industries, unions andenvironmental groups has the experience and foresight to begin changing theworld today," he said. "By working together, we can stem the tide of globalwarming and create millions of good, sustainable and family supportingjobs." Participants will discuss the potential economic benefits of global warmingsolutions and share best practices about how to revitalize Americanmanufacturing, promote green construction, advocate for the substitution oftoxic chemicals, and address the impact of globalization on global warming. ____Media are invited to attend and should contact Josh Dorner (Sierra Club) orTony Montana (USW) for more information. WHO: A national coalition of 80 organizations, coordinated by theBlue-Green Alliance WHERE: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Penn. WHEN: March 13-14th, 2008 For more information, including a program, complete lists of speakers,conveners, and sponsors please visit: www.greenjobsconference.org # # # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp