WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 11, 2010) After the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources met today to review legislative proposals designed to create jobs related to energy efficiency, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director David Foster:

“We applaud the efforts of Senator Bingaman and the members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to bring focus to important energy efficiency programs like HOME STAR and Building Star, and we urge the Senate to act to enact these critical job-creating programs.

“Investments in energy efficiency programs will create good job opportunities for millions of U.S. workers. Right now, more than 20 percent of American construction workers are unemployed, and we must take steps immediately to jumpstart the construction sector. The proposed HOME STAR program will create good living-wage jobs in construction and related industries by providing strong short-term incentives for home energy efficiency improvements.  

“Building Star functions similarly to HOME STAR for commercial, institutional, and multi-family buildings. By incorporating these incentives and rebates for commercial and multi-family buildings, we will not only create jobs within the construction industry, but will also provide opportunities for growth in building operations and maintenance and the manufacturing and installation of products such as sheet metal.

“The BlueGreen Alliance applauds the Committees’ emphasis on implementing investments in energy efficiency to drive innovation and revitalize American’s economy by creating good jobs. While comprehensive clean energy and climate change remains the best vehicle to ensure long-term economic security and prosperity, programs like HOME STAR and Building Star will aid in establishing a foundation for a clean energy economy that will benefit all Americans.”

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The BlueGreen Alliance is a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the green economy. Launched by the Sierra Club and United Steelworkers, the BlueGreen Alliance now includes the Communications Workers of America, Natural Resources Defense Council, Service Employees International Union, Laborers’ International Union of North America, Utility Workers Union of America, American Federation of Teachers, Amalgamated Transit Union, and Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association.