Recovery Act Funding for Green Jobs Training

The recent economic downturn has dramatically affected the composition of the U.S. workforce. Traditional blue-collar industries such as construction and manufacturing have experienced record-breaking unemployment rates during the past two years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' January 2010 employment situation report, reduction in employment in these two sectors alone accounted for more than half the net job loss since December 2007.

Some believe investing in green jobs—those related to restoring or preserving the environment—could play an important role in rejuvenating the economy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5) made available approximately $750 million for a competitive grant program for worker training and placement in high-growth and emerging industries. Of this total, roughly $500 million is set aside for grants to state and local areas for research, labor exchange and job training projects that prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy.