Press Releases

Congressman Jared Polis announced today that his environmental education and clean energy jobs training program has been included in Senate climate change legislation—the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act—introduced this week by Senators John Kerry and Barbara Boxer, to cut carbon pollution and stimulate the economy by creating millions of jobs in the clean energy sector.

“The clean energy economy represents an historic opportunity and a major pathway to economic prosperity, especially for low income families and dislocated workers,” said Polis. “I am thrilled the Senate has reiterated this and included my provisions in their bill.  By promoting quality environmental literacy and access to “green” jobs training programs, we can ensure that no American is left behind by the clean energy revolution that this bill supports."

Section 302 of the Kerry-Boxer Senate bill includes language Polis amended to House climate change legislation—the American Clean Energy and Security Act—which passed the House earlier this year.

Polis’ program would establish a clean energy career training and environmental literacy clearinghouse to aid institutions by providing federal resources, expertise, information, and points of contact in establishing and maintaining quality training programs. This will give community colleges and workforce training programs much-needed support with resources and expertise, a critical element as more schools establish jobs training programs that incorporate clean energy technology.

While only a freshman, Polis is Vice Chairman of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), “nicknamed the Green Dogs,” a focused, action-based caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, and has had a front row seat in the creation of climate change legislation.

Text of the House and Senate Bills are below:

Markey-Waxman House Bill: American Clean Energy and Security Act

Kerry-Boxer Senate Bill: Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act