Young activists lobby for green jobs (Philadelphia)

Around 20 students, recent graduates and activists dressed in caps and gowns, formed a “commencement march” from City Hall to Sen. Bob Casey Jr.’s office at 20th and Market streets on June 10 to petition for legislation to create green jobs. The event, organized by the Clean Air Council, began with speeches at the northwest corner of City Hall on the economic and environmental importance of creating jobs in clean energy industries.

Sara Milner, a senior in the political science program at Temple University set to graduate in January, called for comprehensive climate legislation, which she said would help to create 2.5 million jobs.

“There is no reason that the hardworking, intelligent, vibrant youth of America, who invest so much in their education, should be unable to find a job with a college degree while we import solar panels and other technologies that are made in China,” Milner said.

Josh Meyers, owner of PekaSys Sustainable Technologies of New Cumberland, Cumberland County, emphasized the need for a shift away from an economy based on the use of fossil fuels. He encouraged those listening to look to green companies both in their job searches and as consumers.

“We need to make sure the reward structure isn’t given to people who do things like go out and destroy entire bodies of water,” Meyers said.

The legislation the group is seeking to have passed is called the American Power Act. It would include, among other things, cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and investments in nuclear power, “clean” coal technology, and natural gas.

Read more the full story in the Philadelphia Business Journal.