FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12 February 2008
CONTACT: 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 announced
plans for "Good Jobs, Green Jobs: A National Green Jobs Conference," to be
held in Pittsburgh on March 13 and 14, 2008--the first ever national forum
to bring together such a diverse coalition of stakeholders to discuss the
economic and employment benefits of a clean energy future. The conference
is being coordinated by the Blue-Green Alliance, a partnership of the
United Steelworkers and the Sierra Club.
The event will launch a nationwide dialogue about moving our country
rapidly toward leadership in promoting the benefits of a new green economy
and will bring together advocates representing local, state and federal
policymakers; labor; business; the environment and public health; economic
and workforce development specialists; investors; and scientists and
technology experts.
Speakers will include Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, USW
International President Leo W. Gerard, Sierra Club Executive Director Carl
Pope, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, ArcelorMittal North
America CEO Lou Schorsch, Ella Baker Center President and Co-Founder Van
Jones, as well as many other community, environmental, union, business and
elected leaders.
"The diverse array of leaders addressing this
conference--environmentalists, industrialists, labor leaders, community
organizers, elected officials and many others--underscores who stands to
gain from a green jobs-driven economic renaissance: just about everyone,"
said Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive. "Green jobs are helping keep the
economy afloat today and this conference will explore how they can create a
cleaner, stronger, and more just economy for tomorrow."
USW International President Leo W. Gerard called the conference a turning
point for the movement to revitalize American manufacturing through
investment in clean and renewable energy sources.
"This coalition of leaders from government, various industries, unions and
environmental groups has the experience and foresight to begin changing the
world today," he said. "By working together, we can stem the tide of global
warming and create millions of good, sustainable and family supporting
jobs."
Participants will discuss the potential economic benefits of global warming
solutions and share best practices about how to revitalize American
manufacturing, promote green construction, advocate for the substitution of
toxic chemicals, and address the impact of globalization on global warming.
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Media are invited to attend and should contact Josh Dorner (Sierra Club) or
Tony Montana (USW) for more information.
WHO: A national coalition of 80 organizations, coordinated by the
Blue-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
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