Thursday, Nov 3 2011 8:19AM
Two committees convened recently to discuss the positive impact green energy projects have on California.
Meetings were held by the Assembly Select Committee on the Renewable Energy Economy in Rural California and the Senate Select Committee on Green Jobs, Solar, Wind and Clean Technologies during October to discuss how renewable energy production statewide could help rural residents.
California Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez, who represents Coachella, stated the intent of these meetings was to determine how renewable energy projects could help rural communities financially.
"While seeking to facilitate the state's renewable energy goals, it is extremely important that those of us who represent rural areas are paying careful attention that we also optimize economic and job creation outcomes locally," said Pérez.
Additionally, Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett, who heads the Senate committee, stated renewable energy production employment is most prevalent in California, as there are already more than 25,000 clean energy jobs in the state.
Many lawmakers, including Illinois Congressman Tim Johnson, are advocating for more renewable energy to reduce dependence on foreign energy resources and create domestic jobs.