Providence, RI – Working to bring the next generation of jobs to Rhode Island, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today visited the Small Business Development Center at Johnson and Wales University to discuss his “Green Jobs for RI” initiatives. Whitehouse kicked off his tour yesterday, announcing proposals which would help support Rhode Island jobs in the emerging clean energy economy, while making critical investments in infrastructure and environmental preservation to support growth and protect traditional Rhode Island jobs in the tourism and fishing industries.
“The businesses getting their start at the Small Business Development Center will be at the forefront of Rhode Island’s green jobs expansion,” said Whitehouse. “We have a great opportunity right now to lay the foundation for a new green jobs industry here in the Ocean State.”
The “Green Jobs for RI” initiatives are available at http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/greenjobs.
Despite leading the world in the development of solar and wind technologies, the United States is now home to only one of the top ten solar and one of the top ten wind energy companies in the world. Last year, Whitehouse succeeded in extending section 1603 of the Recovery Act, which allows renewable energy projects to receive a direct cash grant instead of a tax credit and has helped jumpstart the clean energy economy. Whitehouse calls for a renewed commitment to winning the global race for clean energy jobs, by further extending these cash grants to renewable energy developers in Rhode Island and around the country, before they expire this year. Whitehouse will also re-introduce legislation this year to create jobs through the construction of energy efficient homes and the expanded use of residential solar power.
Whitehouse discussed the proposals today a roundtable discussion with clean energy businesses at Johnson and Wales. Among those in attendance were representatives from Alteris Renewables, RISE Engineering & Tech RI, RENEW Energy Initiative, the Small Business Administration, MGD & Associates, Renewables Incorporated, Newport Biodiesel, RI Economic Summit, and National Grid.
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