Statement from Green For All CEO Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins on the House’s Passage of The American Clean Energy & Security Act

Today the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy & Security Act, a bill that will ensure that a diversity of Americans have access to green, career-path jobs.  The statement from Green For All CEO, Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, follows.

“We applaud Chairmen Waxman and Markey, and Speaker Pelosi for their leadership in passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act. This legislation will not only position America at the forefront of the clean-energy economy but will also create jobs and opportunities for communities that are too often at the margins - and the smokestack end - of our current economy.”

“Green For All is proud to have fought with our champions on the Hill, including Representatives Cleaver and Luján, for crucial provisions that will ensure that low-income communities and communities of color now have access to an economic stake in the clean energy economy.  

“Chief among them - the creation of a green-construction, careers-demonstration program authored by Congressman Bobby Rush -- will promote middle-class careers and quality employment practices in the green construction sector. This program will empower the Secretaries of Labor and Energy to ensure that these green construction jobs are good jobs, and are accessible to all of our communities.

“Equally important is the allocation of $860 million to the Green Jobs Act, which will provide training to workers who need new skills for the jobs that will repower and rebuild this nation.

 “Today is an historic day for our country and a giant leap forward in creating a more equitable, cleaner, and secure future for all Americans.”

Green For All is a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through a clean energy economy. The organization works in collaboration with the business, government, labor, and grassroots communities to create and implement programs that increase quality jobs and opportunities in green industry – all while holding the most vulnerable people at the center of its agenda.