The Green Communities Act, passed in MA last summer, requires the utility companies to meet new demand for power through demand reducation and energy efficiency measures. To meet this legislative requirement, the utiltiy companies have developed a plan that will dramatically reduce energy use, save customers money as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an amount equivalent to taking 40% of the cars of the road. It will also create jobs. (See the Reuters news service announcement http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS159842+05-May-2009+BW20090505

And here's where community based workforce development organizations come in...but how??

- teach about energy efficiency and how to take advantage of this utility sponsored efficiency program; have a representative from your community action agency or the utility come to talk to staff and students

- research what businesses in your community (insulation installers, weatherization firms, for example) are gearing up to meet this increased demand

- partner with these employers and with other agencies providing energy efficiency work (like the CAP agencies) to make the connection for your students both in terms of the energy efficiency services and career exploration

- connect with other organizations doing training or wanting to do training with your students or clients (remember the state is looking to establish a statewide weatherization training system)

- share your progress and your questions with the rest of us by posting a reply to this blog!