CLEAN ENERGY CORPS

Time for a Clean Energy Corps?
Jonathan Marshall, February 26, 2009 (Next 100)

"…[G]rass roots activists are vowing to ensure that [Congress hears]…directly from the generation of Americans who will inherit the results of their action--or inaction.

"An organization called Power Shift '09 vows that it "will bring 10,000 young people to Washington to hold our elected officials accountable for rebuilding our economy and reclaiming our future through bold climate and clean energy policy." The event [began] Friday, Feb. 27."

Meet Van Jones. From GreenForAllOfficial via youTube.

"One of the featured speakers is the celebrated green jobs advocate Van Jones, founder of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland and founding president of the national organization Green for All.

"…[Testifying] before the House Education and Labor Committee…Jones called for creation of a Clean Energy Corps (reminiscent of the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps), focused on disadvantaged and disconnected youth and emphasizing energy and conservation-related service.

"Jones said he looks to state and local partnerships to 'create well-defined career pathways for CEC participants, moving them from the entry point of service, to specific skills training, to placement, job retention and careers in energy efficiency, energy service, and other industries of the green economy.'"