Green Jobs On the Way

It may not be much, but the government has finally awarded $38 million to four states to fund green projects, including energy-efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programs and installation of renewable energy technologies on municipal buildings.

The money is part of the $50 billion set aside for environmental projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed earlier this year. The $38 million was actually issued by the U.S. Department of Energy and is going to Alaska, Kansas, Utah and West Virginia. These states are not exactly population hubs, but that's okay. At least the hope is that more money to more states is on the way.

All these projects, of course, mean jobs. And depending on your definition, these will be green jobs (i.e., jobs designed for environmental projects, products or services.

With the unemployment rate now exceeding 10 percent, it's imperative that the government -- and the banking industry -- support green businesses and projects.

As 20th-century manufacturing plants sit still and slowly decay, the goal in the 21st century needs to be stimulating new jobs that will improve our environment and get our economy moving forward again. For example, Cedar Valley College in Dallas now has a training program for solar technicians. And the program is growing.

Banks can play a vital role in the creation of new jobs.

What have you done lately?