Washington, DC (June 28, 2007)- This week Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32), introduced the Green Jobs Act of 2007 (H.R. 2847). The Green Jobs Act represents a smart, far-sighted effort to fight poverty at the same time by creating federally-funded job training within the green economy. On Wednesday, the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee passed her bill by a bipartisan vote of 26 to 18. This is the first step in the House toward providing job training every year for about 35,000 U.S. workers (and would-be workers) in green and clean industries.

The Act will help to meet green industry's demand for a skilled "green-collar" workforce, while creating green pathways out of poverty for those seeking job opportunities in the booming green economy. Similar legislation was offered as an amendment to H.R. 6 by Sens. Sanders and Clinton and passed by voice vote this month.

For decades, the Congress has been bogged down in a stale debate: "Should we grow the economy OR protect the environment." Solis is leading the Congress to embrace a new approach. She is saying: "Let's grow the economy BY protecting the environment."

Related Resources:
Congresswoman Solis
Chairman Miller Press Release
H.R.2847
Huffington Post