Green Sector to Grow New Jobs in CA

The Global Warming Solutions Act, AB32, was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2006, but a report was released just last Wednesday by the state Air Resources Board that said the law would boost California’s economy, increasing jobs.  Originally , the group had projected an additional 120,000 jobs by 2020, but has since lowered that estimate.  Even if the expansion of the green technology sector only produces half that number, California stands to win in this equation.  With a current unemployment rate of 12.5%, California can hardly afford to turn its nose up at even the most modest of employment gains.  Those opposed to the Global Warming Solutions Act are trying to curry support for an initiative that would put the law on hold until California’s unemployment rate remains steady at or below 5.5%, arguing that the mandates of the law hurt small businesses.

Mary Nichols, Chair of the Air Resources Board, does not believe Republicans consernces about the law are merited.  She is quoted on BusinessWeek.com as saying “Implementing AB32 will not hurt the California economy and can be done in a way that continues growth in jobs.  It sets us on a course for greater security and less dependence on petroleum.”

At least one climate economist at the Union of Concerned Scientists refers to AB32 as “a catalyst for putting California on the cutting edge of the nation’s clean energy future.”