Posts Tagged ‘green jobs’

Wind Energy Jobs outgrow Coal Jobs

December 1st, 2009

Thanks to a post on The Rural Blog, I stumbled across this old article from the Fortune Magazine blog touting an American Wind Energy study that claims more people are employed in wind energy than in coal mining.  My first reaction was “can this be true?”

With two wind energy companies located in tiny Howard, SD (pop. 1080), I recognize the importance of green job development to the future of Midwestern rural communities.  But I had no idea the wind industry now employs 85,000 workers compared to approximately 81,000 workers in the coal mining industry.

With that in mind, however, I’d like to caution people not to jump to the conclusion that there are more jobs in the wind energy industry than the coal industry.  The statistics speak only to coal mining.  Just as mechanization has led to the transfer of jobs from farming to the agro-industrial sector, the coal industry has also seen the movement of jobs from coal mining to industry related activities like the manufacturing of coal mining equipment.

What I like about the wind energy industry is that it makes business sense to locate the new jobs they create in rural communities close to wind resources.  Howard is a perfect example.

If you are interested in joining the conversation about job creation in wind energy, I’d encourage you to get to know the South Dakota Wind Energy Association.  Today, they are hosting their Annual Meeting in Pierre, SD. 

You can also become an “Advocate Member” of the association by visiting their website.  It’s easy and free. The wind energy industry is not going to save every rural community, but it can create a positive effect on many.

Photo Credit: Green for All - Flickr

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Economic Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (0)

SD Public Radio talks Green Jobs

November 6th, 2009

South Dakota Public Radio aired a report yesterday focused on green job development in Howard, SD.  Individuals can listen to it here.

The story, reported by Charles Michael Ray, noted that the community stands to benefit from the creation of additional “green jobs” if the Climate Bill passes Congress.  It goes on to note that some community members fear that it will have an adverse affect on their livelihoods.  

What captured my attention, however, was a quote offered by Robert Mommaerts, who oversees the molding process for the wind turbine blades manufactured by Knight & Carver in Howard.  He said:

Not only do I enjoy my job but I enjoy the fact that I’m making a difference in the world by doing my job,” Mommaerts says.  ” I’ve always been interested in alternative energy and being able to actually help make it a reality is just that much more enriching for me,” he says.

Mommaerts goes on to tell Ray that he wants to live in a rural place like Howard because it offers “a safe, wholesome place to raise a family.”

Green Jobs are important

There’s little doubt that creating jobs has been an important part of Howard’s recent economic success. But Mommaerts reminds us that young people today don’t just want any job:  they often want a job that also allows them to make a difference (read more on Gen Y characteristics here.)

That is something that more economic development professionals may want to think about as they work to establish new businesses.  Perhaps all jobs are not created equal.  Especially not if the goal is to attract young people.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Economic Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (1)

Climate change: Every situation creates an opportunity

October 20th, 2009

In honor of my good friend Joe Bartmann of the Sioux Falls Green Project visiting me in Howard (SD) yesterday, I wanted to share a post related to the green movement in rural places.  Amazingly, an article titled “Climate Change and Rural Communities in the US: a Draft Briefing Paper” fell into my lap thanks to a tweet from the Rural Assistance Center.  The subject and the fact that it was produced by one of my favorite rural organizations, the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI), make commenting on it almost mandatory.      

Admittedly, I haven’t studied the nuances of climate change legislation before Congress as much as I should.  In reading the document, I was alarmed to learn that the Secretary of Transportation had proposed a “vehicle miles traveled” (as opposed to a fuel tax) as a way to reduce pollution and increase revenue for our highways.  Residents of rural states undoubtedly cringe at the negative impact such legislation would have on their pocketbooks.  Luckily, the measure was quickly abandoned by the Obama administration, but it shows that we should be paying closer attention.

 As I read through the descriptions of potential measures intended to help our environment, I can say that I support some of them, and oppose others.  What was most interesting to me, however, was the last section titled “Opportunities for rural communities.”

It offered four potential areas of opportunity for rural communities to consider.  An overview of these opportunities include:

In Miner County, SD, we were early adopters of three of the measures:  renewable energy production, green jobs, and rural-urban collaboration.  The forth(carbon sequestration) is one that I still don’t know much about, let alone understand how rural communities can take advantage of. 

I’m not sure if the cap and trade legislation before Congress will pass or not.  But this article has made me more aware of why I need to pay attention to the issue.  Thanks RURPI. 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Economic Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (1)

Citi Foundation Invests in Rural America

September 10th, 2009

The pomp and circumstance of last week’s groundbreaking at the Rural Learning Center has officially passed.  The last of the cake is eaten, and the office is looking a bit more orderly.  What we’ve failed to communicate, I think, is what the day really represented for the Rural Learning Center as an organization, for Howard as a community, and for rural people as a whole.  It wasn’t just an event to celebrate a new building; it was the beginning of something entirely new.   

Just a month or so ago, we received a call from Jerry Nachtigal with Citibank, SD.  We had applied for a Citi Foundation grant just two months prior that would help the Rural Learning Center jump start a renewable energy jobs and education program in our new facility.  Jerry was calling to let us know that our grant application had been approved, and that we would soon be receiving $250,000 from Citi Foundation.  Remarkable.

To top it off we learned that Pam Flaherty, President and CEO of Citi Foundation (NY), would be traveling to Howard to present a check to the Rural Learning Center during our groundbreaking celebration.  Citi Foundation decided to invest in the future of Howard, Miner County, and South Dakota as a whole, helping us create a more sustainable future for the entire nation.  Watch the video below to hear to what Pam and Citibank, SD had to say at the groundbreaking.

 We are extremely excited about what this investment means.  For the Rural Learning Center, it means that we have the resources to launch an innovative renewable energy jobs training program and a “science to the sidewalk” community education program around rural sustainability.  For the community of Howard, it means that economic decline is a thought of the past and that the future is looking bright and green.  For South Dakota, it means that our neighbors and friends will be able to learn new skills in emerging industries where they can earn living wage jobs with benefits to support their families. 

We are excited to share the investment that Citi Foundation has made, whether you attend a renewable energy job training class, visit our facility a year or so from now or simply watch what we’re up to from afar.  We’d like to think we’re all better off.  Thanks, Citi Foundation!

 Photo Credit:  Paul Higbee.  More photos of the groundbreaking can be found on the RLC Flickr Stream. 

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Community Development, In the News, Rural, Training and Events | Comments (0)

Green jobs in Rural America

August 21st, 2009

Most of the talk about green job development has focused on urban areas, especially depressed, inner cities.  But yesterday the conversation turned towards Rural America, and what’s already been accomplished there.

The conversation was initiated by Repower America, who held a press conference in Howard, SD to show their support for The American Clean Energy and Security Act.  The organization believes the legislation could help bring 5,000 new jobs to South Dakota. 

Because it is home to two wind energy companies, Howard (pop. 1071) was the perfect community to showcase this potential.  Those two companies, Knight & Carver Wind Group and Energy Maintenance Service, offer good paying jobs that have helped diversify the town’s economy.

What’s exciting is that this is just the start. An article in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader quotes Sam Brown, Knight & Carver’s President saying:

South Dakota “has made it easy to come here,” Brown said. “We’re interested in staying - and expanding. This legislation helps us move in that direction.”

There are a lot of pros and cons to this proposed legislation, and I’ll let readers make up their own minds on it.  But I hope people keep in mind that green job development has already stimulated the economy of at least one rural community.  And that the future could be even greater. 

Photo: Gary Kanaby, Knight & Carver VP of Sales, speaks at the groundbreaking ceramony in Aug. 2006.

Note: Howard was an early pioneer in wind energy industry.  Back in 2001, they became the first community in South Dakota to own and operate their own wind turbines.

PS (8-24-09) –Based on a few a few conversations I’ve received since first publishing, some people may have taken this post as advocacy for The America Clean Energy and Security Act.  Admittedly, I don’t know enough about the legislation to take a strong stance for or against it.  What I do hope to see more support for is smart grid technology. It offers the opportunity for the innovation needed to bring clearner sources of energy into the mainstream.  To learn more, read here and here.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Economic Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (0)

Energize Clinton County - Green and Social

July 28th, 2009

Later this afternoon, I’m going to be on the phone with Mark Rembert of Energize Clinton County.  Their mission is to transform the economy of Wilmington, Ohio (and surrounding Clinton County) through the development of a Green Enterprise Zone.  This initiative comes in the wake of economic decline brought on by our country’s recent economic crisis.  The following video captures the human side of the struggles the community is going through.

 

 Watching the video can be heartbreaking.  Real people are facing real problems.  There are no easy answers, and sadly I don’t see a quick fix on the horizon.

The efforts of Energize Clinton County, however, are impressive on two accounts.  First, they have developed an innovative plan based on the development of a Green Enterprise Zone designation.  Second, they seek to engage their community through social media. (They have a blog and Facebook page.)

I’m interested in both, but especially their social media strategy.  The conversation should be a lot of fun.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Community Development, Community Engagement, Economic Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (0)

Job Development & the Green Power Express

April 15th, 2009

It’s no secret that South Dakota has tremendous potential to be a wind energy powerhouse.  Today, it appears the state has moved one step closer to that reality. 

Both of the above statements emerged as I read two articles this morning.  The first, titled “Wind Power Development in South Dakota:  Good for Jobs, Good for the Economy and Good for the Environment“ identifies the potential benefits of job development, economic growth, and environmental stewardship that wind energy industry provides.

Produced by the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELCP), the article is the latest in a serious of studies that show the benefits of the wind energy industry in the South Dakota economy. 

Back in October 2002, the ELCP unveiled their “Jobs Jolt” report to the South Dakota media at Energy Maintenance Services’ 6,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Howard, SD.  That report suggested that 3,800 jobs and $275 million in economic growth could be created in South Dakota by 2020 — if federal and state policy changes occurred. 

But the state still lags behind its potential.  As the “Wind Power Development in South Dakota” report  highlights, South Dakota has 188 MW of installed wind capacity.  That compares to Minnesota and Iowa each with over 1,200 MW of installed capacity.  The report also tells us there is over 4000 MW currently in the planning and development stages.  But that doesn’t guarantee they will be built.

So what needs to change to bring those wind turbines to SD?
Consistently we hear that transmission of energy produced in SD to more populated regions is the barrier.  In other words, it is an issue with an inadequate electrical grid system.

That’s why it was such good news to hear that the Green Power Express project took a step forward yesterday when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved incentives that would help construct this 3000 transmission “superhighway.”  (read more on that story here) 

Admittedly, I don’t know all the pro’s and con’s behind this project, but I love that it helps address the transmission barrier that prevents the development of the wind energy in South Dakota. 

 

Other stories about the Green Power Express

Map source:  The Green Power Express website  “Conceptual Map”

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Economic Development, Rural | Comments (0)

Iowa’s vision of Green

March 19th, 2009

With all of the media coverage surrounding green jobs lately, I thought you might be interested in the following comments found in the Omaha World-Herald:

In comparing the number of wind energy jobs in Nebraska to the vastly higher number in Iowa, the article states:

Iowa got ahead because its policymakers worked for more than two decades to nurture the fledgling industry with incentives, regulatory changes and other support. That spadework left the state well-positioned when wind took off nationally.

The article goes on:

Iowa’s lead position in wind energy didn’t happen by accident. Over the years, Iowa’s elected officials approved rebates, loans, grants, tax reductions and regulatory changes to encourage the budding industry.

The state’s university system lent its expertise, and an Iowa community college offered the nation’s first associate degree program for turbine technicians.

Most importantly, wind advocates say, Iowa in 1991 became the first state to mandate that its private utilities derive a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources.

In today environment of belt-tightening state governments, a case can be made against the support of any industry with public dollars.  But ask Newton, IA (pop. 16,000) if Iowa’s support of the wind energy industry was worth it.  When the Maytag plant there closed in 2008, laying off 1,800 workers, a wind turbine blade manufacturer stepped into its place with 500 jobs.  I bet a lot of people there are thankful for Iowa’s vision about green job development. 

Kudos to Iowa.  We can all learn a lesson from the way they pursued and achieved their vision.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Economic Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (0)