The first state-coordinated plan to develop a green economy recommends creating an energy strategy for RI, thereby sparking the creation of a plethora of green jobs in Rhode Island.

According to ProJo.com, this will expand sources of funding for clean technology companies and setting up worker-training programs, in the hope that the new initiatives can contribute to an economic recovery.

“The green economy is a new opportunity for Rhode Island that can increase the number and diversity of jobs and raise wages,” the plan from the state Economic Development Corporation says. “Ultimately, advancing the green economy will require efforts with all kinds of companies: nurturing new, entrepreneurial efforts; helping existing companies grow and convert to green practices; and attracting existing or new ventures from outside the state.”

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Rhode Island green jobs are growing faster than others throughout the state.

The Pew Charitable Trusts recently released The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across America, a study that found jobs in Rhode Island’s renewable-energy industry grew at a slightly higher rate than overall jobs from 1998 to 2007. The study found that jobs in the clean-energy sector increased by .7 percent during the 10-year period, compared to .6 percent for all jobs.

Even though the state saw faster growth in the green jobs industry, it was behind the national rate. Throughout the country, green-collar jobs increased by 9.1 percent to 770,000 jobs. Total jobs increased by only 3.7 percent throughout the nation.

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A continued focus on energy preservation will help create and maintain Rhode Island jobs.

Gov. Donald L. Carcieri recently announced that the Office of Economic Recovery and Reinvestment has created an Energy Review Team to help develop a statewide energy plan for the investment of funds available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The team also will help develop a statewide, competitive grant process to distribute funds for energy programs.

Under the ARRA, Rhode Island will receive $58 million in funds dedicated to a number of energy initiatives, including $20 million for weatherization programs; $14.5 million for state and municipal programs and $24 million for other energy activities.

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Rhode Island jobs are turning green.

Organizations across the country recently held more than 650 events as part of the National Day of Action, stressing the importance of creating green jobs, according to an article by the Providence Journal. Rhode Island held an event at the New England Institute of Technology focused on solar energy, educating young workers on green technology and policy initiatives.

“We want to educate people and get people thinking and talking to each other and start working together toward the greening of Rhode Island’s economy,” Greg Gerritt, founder of the Rhode Island Prosperity Project, said in the article. “People need workers. They need educated workers. We have to think about the big picture.” (more…)