Recognizing September 27, 2008 as Green Jobs Now: A National Day of Action to Build the New Economy in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS,

Green Jobs Now:

A National Day of Action to Build the New Economy, September 27, 2008, is a day to show how much we the public are ready to tackle the climate crisis by building a green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty; and

WHEREAS,

Green Jobs Now

is a National Day of Action that will empower everyday people to stage hundreds of grassroots events throughout the country, including events planned in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS,

Green Jobs Now

is a day that reminds all leaders that Green Jobs address the economic

and

environmental crisis that has disproportionately affected low-income people, people of color, and indigenous peoples; and

WHEREAS,

Green Jobs rebuild a strong middle class and provide pathways out of poverty by enabling low-income earners to take the first step toward economic self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS,

Green Jobs benefit Philadelphia by reducing poverty, pollution, and the effects of global warming and contribute to making a more sustainable and energy efficient city; and

WHEREAS,

The Apollo Alliance reports that a $300 billion investment in America’s economic and energy future over 10 years would produce 3.3 million jobs and a $1.43 trillion gain in GDP; and

WHEREAS

, Renewable energy creates 40% more jobs per dollar invested than coal fired plants; and

WHEREAS,

The Spanish wind developer Gamesa built its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Ebenburg, Pennsylvania that now has 276 well paid, unionized employees; and

WHEREAS

, The solar energy industry employed over 20,000 people in 2001 and that number is expected to increase 7.5 times -- to 150,000-- by 2026; and

WHEREAS

, With the passage of Resolutions 080266 and 080689, this Council has expressed its desire to support the proliferation of Green Jobs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

, That we hereby recognize September 27, 2008 as

Green Jobs Now:

A National Day of Action to Build the New Economy

in Philadelphia.

End