Tierney planning Green Jobs caucus

PEABODY-U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney on Friday announced plans to form a Green Jobs Caucus in Congress along with colleague Hilda Solis, the Democratic congresswoman from California.Tierney, a Salem Democrat, said the move to create the caucus coincides with the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the Energy Independence and Security Act, which included legislation n the Green Jobs Act n that the congressman and Solis co-authored.Tierney said significant progress has been made in raising awareness about green jobs since the law was passed. “However, more must be done,” he said.Tierney spokesman Betsy Arnold said the caucus is expected to further educate members of Congress and their staff on the critical role green jobs play in reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, while creating a variety of employment opportunities.”The caucus can be expected to support and help advance legislation that ensures green job’ remain a priority in any economic recovery legislation,” Tierney said.The Green Jobs Act authorized $125 million in funding to establish state and national job training programs in the renewable-energy and energy-efficiency fields. An increase in green jobs would help to address job shortages, meet industry demand for a skilled work force, and boost America’s global competitiveness, Tierney said.Bracken Hendricks, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, said forming the Green Jobs Caucus shows leadership and will aid millions of Americans who are out of work. “There’s a pressing need for smart investments in energy-efficient construction, advanced clean energy manufacturing, and the reconstruction of our nation’s infrastructure,” Hendricks said.