Statement from Green For All on BLS Green Jobs Numbers

Oakland, CA - Green For All CEO Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins today issued the following statement in response to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Green Jobs Initiative announcing their findings on the number of green jobs in the U.S.

 "Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics has given those of us working to create green jobs and a clean energy economy more proof that our hard work is paying off for the American public. The BLS survey found that in 2010 that there were 3.1 million people working in green jobs, representing 2.4 percent of total U.S. employment. 

Green jobs are revitalizing our economy and these well-paying careers are providing pathways out of poverty for a large number of historically under-served, under-employed people in communities across our nation. 

The numbers represented by the BLS survey should be proof enough that we are succeeding, but polluters and groups such as the Heritage Foundation will most likely come out fighting against the Bureau. Skeptics should talk to one of the thousands of Americans with a green job. They are helping create healthier communities, protecting our air and water, and building a globally competitive workforce. 

The numbers are clear. Green jobs are helping lead us out of the recession. We can stay in the past and argue if clean energy jobs are real while letting China and other countries take the lead or we can take charge and add more power to the industry that is fueling our recovery."

For more information on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Green Jobs Initiative visit: www.bls.gov/green 

About Green For All
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. For more information, please visit www.greenforall.org.

Contact: Brian Purchia, [email protected], 202.253.4330

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