| Texas is at an energy crossroads. We led the world in the production of dirty energy during the 20th century, but we also have the potential to lead the 21st century clean energy economy.
Join the Sierra Club's grassroots campaign to convince Texas legislators to invest in green jobs. Let's show the world that Texas is ready to lead! If you'd like to help support the Sierra Club's 2011 legislative agenda to support clean energy, then please contact Eva Hernandez to volunteer, eva.hernandez@sierraclub.org.
There are many reasons for hope, click below the fold to learn more... |
According to the American Wind Energy Association, Texas installed more wind power than any other state last year.
Last year, the nation as a whole installed more wind-creating facilities than any other year, erecting nearly 10,000 megawatts of new generating capacity, or enough to serve more than 2.4 million homes.
Texas reported the highest number of installations, adding 9,410 megawatts. Iowa came in second with 3,670, then California and Washington with 2,794 and 1,980, respectively.
Association CEO Denise Bode attributed the influx to new funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
According to a recent study by Pew Charitable Trusts, Texas is currently #2 in total clean energy jobs.
Texas had more clean energy jobs than every other state except California and garnered more clean energy venture capital investment than most in 2007, according to a study by Pew Charitable Trusts.
The study shows that 55,646 people were employed in the clean energy industry in Texas. That's a large chunk of the 770,385 clean energy jobs nationwide. Researchers attributed Texas' success to state policies that create incentives and mandates for clean energy.
The clean energy revolution will not only create jobs in Texas, but it's also an important national priority. President Obama recently said clean energy jobs are key to reviving our economy.
"The jobs of tomorrow will be jobs in the clean energy sector," Obama said at Opower, a 75-person smart grid and energy efficiency software company that works with utilities to help people use energy more efficiently. "That's why my administration is taking steps to support a thriving clean energy industry" that makes solar panels, builds wind turbines, produces leading-edge batteries for fuel-efficient vehicles and helps consumers control energy costs.
While there's many reasons for hope, we must get organized to defeat big oil and coal. Let's get together and demonstrate the widespread grassroots support for green jobs. This Saturday, you're invited to our rally at Palmer Events Center!
We'll hear from Austin Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Martinez, Sierra Club Representative Eva Hernandez and local community members who have green jobs.
Sierra Club Green Jobs Rally
 High Noon - Saturday, March 20
Travis Country Democratic Party Convention
Palmer Events Center
600 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78701
12:00 - Mike Martinez, Austin Mayor Pro Tem
12:05 - Marguerite Jones, Austin Energy, Energy Efficiency Services
12:10 - Casey Martinez, Heliovolt Solar Energy Company
12:15 - Eva Hernandez, Sierra Club
12:20 - Group photo
Click here to RSVP on facebook.
The Sierra Club's goal is to show grassroots support for Texas leading the 21st century clean energy revolution. Come learn about the Sierra Club's 2011 legislative agenda to create thousands of new green jobs in Texas, and sign the petition to help build grassroots support for a clean energy future.
(Disclaimer: Sierra Club is a non-partisan environmental organization that is eager to present the non-partisan message of green jobs to any county or state convention of any party. Please contact Eva if you'd like the Sierra Club to participate at your local party convention.) |
