Pennsylvania Clean Energy Supporters Respond to President Obama's State of the Union Address

Last night, President Obama devoted most of his first State of the Union address to the continuing double-digit unemployment situation. Like the President, we're committed to creating new jobs that will put people back to work. And clean energy is the way to do it.

President Obama devoted several minutes of his jobs message specifically to clean energy and creating American leadership for the 21st century economy:



Choice quotes from President Obama on clean energy action:

"You see, Washington has been telling us to wait for decades, even as the problems have grown worse. Meanwhile, China’s not waiting to revamp its economy. Germany’s not waiting. India’s not waiting. These nations aren’t standing still. These nations aren’t playing for second place. They’re putting more emphasis on math and science. They’re rebuilding their infrastructure. They are making serious investments in clean energy because they want those jobs.

"...To create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives. That means building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country. It means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development. It means continued investment in advanced biofuels and clean coal technologies. And yes, it means passing a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America.

"I am grateful to the House for passing such a bill last year. This year, I am eager to help advance the bipartisan effort in the Senate. I know there have been questions about whether we can afford such changes in a tough economy; and I know that there are those who disagree with the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change. But even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future – because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation."

President Obama's message to Congress and the American people about investing in a clean energy economy drew strong praise from businesspeople, labor leaders and elected officials across Pennsylvania who are working with Repower America to build the political will necessary to achieve this goal in 2010:

“Pennsylvania’s investment in clean-energy industries has been essential in creating family-wage jobs. Voith, one of the largest employers of clean energy workers in Pennsylvania, has seen the benefits of investments in clean energy technology. Ongoing investment in clean energy infrastructure like hydropower as President Obama called for will help us continue to create high-paying jobs here at home and grow Pennsylvania’s economy for years to come.” — Voith Hydro York CEO Mark Garner

“The clean energy jobs that President Obama talked about tonight are exactly what Pittsburgh needs. With passage of a national clean energy bill like the one the City Council endorsed last month, we can create 11,600 jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania within two years. We need now Senator Casey and and Senator Specter to be champions of this opportunity to strengthen our security, our environment and our economy. — Pittsburgh City Councilman Patrick Dowd

“Clean energy is one of the best opportunities for Pennsylvania families to get back to work. Pennsylvania is home to a great workforce, and if Senator Casey and Senator Specter answer President Obama’s call to pass clean energy legislation, we can create 78,000 jobs within two years. Clean energy jobs like solar installers, welders and energy auditors are good-paying jobs — often union jobs — that will support Pennsylvania’s working families for generations to come.” — Terry Peck, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 520 (Harrisburg) Manager

“President Obama’s call to invest in clean energy jobs will do great things for Pennsylvania’s economy and environment. The potential to create 78,000 new jobs within two years and save Pennsylvania families nearly $1,100 a year is an opportunity that must not be passed up. By supporting clean energy legislation, Senators Casey and Specter will help revitalize our economy and environment, making Pennsylvania a better place for our children and grandchildren.” — State Rep. Chelsa Wagner

“Pennsylvania’s families are hurting, and investing in clean energy right here in America is the best way get our economy back on track and create thousands of good jobs. Now is the time for Senator Casey and and Senator Specter to fight to ensure these new clean energy jobs are created here in Pennsylvania – not in China or India. That's the fastest way to turn this economy around while putting American innovation to work to find real solutions to the climate crisis." — Repower Pennsylvania Director Michael Fedor.

A study by the University of California found that comprehensive clean energy and climate policies could help create up to 78,000 jobs in Pennsylvania and help save our families up to $1,092 a year.