http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=83221.0
( FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December, 18, 2008
CONTACT: Josh Dorner, 202.675.2384
Obama Picks Major Green Jobs
Advocate to Head Labor Dept.
Sierra Club Congratulates Rep. Hilda Solis
Washington, D.C.—Media reports indicate that President-Elect Barack
Obama has chosen Representative Hilda Solis of California to head the
Department of Labor. Rep. Solis has been a preeminent advocate for
green jobs and environmental justice during her career in the House.
She has a lifetime League of Conservation Voters score of 97.
Representative Solis co-authored the Green Jobs Act, which later became
part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which became
law December 19, 2007. The Green Jobs Act authorized $125 million for
workforce training programs. The training will be targeted to
veterans, displaced workers, at risk youth, and individuals in families
under 200% of the federal poverty line. It could benefit programs such
as the one at the East Los Angeles Skills Center where workers are
trained to install solar panels. Upon the signing, Congresswoman Solis
stated: "The bill is a message for all workers across our nation that
there is a place for them in the clean energy future."
Statement of Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director
"The Sierra Club is overjoyed at the news of Hilda Solis' selection as
Secretary of Labor. She has been a tireless advocate for environmental
issues, environmental justice, worker's rights, and green jobs. We send
our deepest congratulations to Representative Solis.
"Representative Solis was one of the earliest and most vocal supporters
of green jobs in the House of Representatives. We can think of no
better person to help President-Elect Obama implement his plans for an
economic recovery fueled by the creation of millions of new green
jobs. Hilda Solis also understands that green jobs must also be good
jobs and has worked to make sure that the clean energy economy is one
that lifts up all workers.
"This latest pick underscores the strong commitment of the
administration to action on clean energy, global warming, and a green
economic recovery. President-Elect Obama has assembled a team of
unprecedented strength to advise him on energy, environmental, science,
and climate issues. This extraordinary team is poised to help the
President-Elect implement his ambitious agenda to put America back to
work by tackling the significant climate and energy challenges facing
our country.
"One of our other top legislative priorities is passage of the Employee
Free Choice Act. We are very pleased that a strong supporter of this
essential legislation has been tapped to head up the Deparment of
Labor, yet another agency that has been gravely damaged during the
past eight years.
"Hilda Solis has been a strong ally of the Sierra Club and we very much
look forward to working with her in her new position."
# # #