The Stimulus Package and Green Jobs February 26, 2009

When the stimulus package was approved a couple of weeks ago, the main argument for the stimulus was to create jobs ans stimulate the economy.. However, of the 750 billion that was approved, according to different sources the sum would be between 70-90 billion allocated to green projects. Among these , the main one is on renewable energy and wind power. According to many different sources, the amount of jobs that this will actually produce vary and also in what sector. It is estimated that three million jobs will be created as a result of the stimulus plan but what has critics debating about this plan where are the jobs being created. In other words, since a lot of the plan is refitting, and weathering old buildings , most of the job creation will be localized in construction. Also, given that part of the plan will also include rebuilding and restructuring old highways that would also mean that most of it would be centered there as well. These jobs usually are not highly paid to as compared to the “green jobs” that they had initially sold the projecct on. Actually, as one crtic said, most of these green jobs are truly blue collar with the shift and emphasis that they are ultimately for environmental causes. Nonetheless, with these primary projects already set to begin albeit all crtics and supporters, we will see a change somewhat. On the other hand, what most of these “green jobs” are supoosed to do in many ways, is to replace the manufacturing jobs that were outsourced . This stimulus job creation then, with the jobs that are supposed to be created, will be in part unable to be outsourced. Given that most of it is for refitting, weathering, and building for obvious reasons will be unable to be outsourced to other countries. This, has many supporters applauding the measure of the plan.

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