What Does the $787-billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Mean for Green Jobs?

Obama's stimulus package's true intent was to save 3.5 million jobs over the next couple of years. But is that where the power of this money ends? The answer is no. Not when it comes to going green anyway. Part of the package is to increase the amount of renewable energy that the U.S. produces, so it's a move toward a more environmentally friendly way of life.

Increase in green jobs
The really great news is that the need for more renewable energy also calls for more professionals that can help with all of the renewable energy initiatives. The bottom line is this stimulus package may create an opening for more green jobs. So, a company that has 15 biologists on its payroll may have a need now for 30. And these aren't job roles that just anyone can fill. These are highly specialized and trained professionals. With more money available from the Federal Government, companies in the renewable energy industry will have the means to go after, recruit and attract the right professionals for these positions.

Tax relief
Not only will funding be available but there will also be some tax relief associated with the deal. The new Clean Energy Finance Authority has been established to make the process of getting financing and approval for renewable energy loans easier on the borrowers. When the chips fall where they may, it is expected that $100 billion in renewable energy projects will spurt from the cash and tax credit incentives.

So what does the $787-billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act mean for green jobs? It means there may be a whole lot more green job positions available in the near future.