FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2008
Contact: Denise Parrillo 401-331-6972, 401-864-7974 (cell), [email protected]
“Green Jobs Now” Event Kicks Off a National Day of Action in the Ocean State
Warwick—On Saturday September 27 a community discussion about “Greening the Rhode Island Economy” will be held at the New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, RI. The event will run from 9:30-11:30 AM. There will be a petition signing and photo opportunities as part of a national day of action that brings together diverse groups and individuals calling on the federal government to make a greater investment in green jobs and clean energy. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse will give the keynote address and Providence Mayor David Cicilline will offer remarks. A panel of experts will then convene.
“As Rhode Islanders struggle to make ends meet amidst a declining job market, a turbulent economy, stagnant wages, and record high gas prices, our green economy presents an opportunity to dig ourselves out of the ditch,” said Whitehouse. “Investing in clean renewable energy production and improving the efficiency of our cars, homes and businesses will stem the tide of global warming, break our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and create entire industries of new ‘green collar’ jobs to sustain American workers.”
Providence Mayor David Cicilline has gone so far as to integrate sustainability into the city’s Comprehensive Plan. “We know that green technology is going to be a major growth area for good jobs in the 21st century. It’s an enormous opportunity for Rhode Island that we must seize, especially in these difficult economic times. We’re working hard on this in Providence and by developing a strong federal-state-local partnership, there will be nothing keeping Rhode Island from being a leader in this field,” stated Mayor Cicilline.
In addition to hearing from Senator Whitehouse and Mayor Cicilline, there will be a panel of experts on hand to discuss various aspects of greening Rhode Island’s economy. Panelists include:
• Mrs. Connie McGreavy, Chair-Elect, RI Green Building Council
• Dr. Joseph Ilaqua, Professor of Economics, Bryant University
• Mr. Al Durand, Business Manager, Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 99
• Mr. Steven Kitchin, VP Corporate Education and Training, New England Institute of Technology
• Mr. Anthony Hubbard, Program Director, YouthBuild
• Rep. Art Handy, Sustainable RI Coordinator, Apeiron Institute of Sustainable Living
Green for All, 1Sky and the We Campaign call for a Green Jobs Now national day of action that promises to bring tens of thousands of people together to stage 520 grassroots events in 48 states. People will demonstrate readiness to build an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty and curb global warming.
To register for the free RI event, please go to http://www.GreeningRIEconomy.com and click on REGISTER, send email to [email protected], or call Greg Gerritt at 621-8048. To find out more about the national event see www.greenjobsnow.com.
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