To: Professor Schlesinger
From: Kat Lawton
Date: September 19, 2010
Re: Energy Summit
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The energy summit on September 17, 2010 proved to be not only interesting, but also provided
vital information regarding the advances of green energy. This will no doubt be beneficial to New York
State but also from a global standpoint as well.
The “Green Movement” as a global phenomenon is a growing industry that provides economic
incentives, as well as opportunity to fulfill our company’s ethical responsibility to live up to the new
environmentally conscious standards. Programs being currently developed in New York State including
State Greenhouse Gas Incentive and “Green Collar Jobs” are a progressive step towards accepting the
challenge of becoming more energy independent, boosting economic development, and improving
public health. By adopting methods and supporting organizations as shown at the Summit, the state of
New York will profit from job creation and be among the first in the country to utilize groundbreaking
alternate energy technology.
With a current unemployment rate of 8.2% plaguing New York, it is essential for the economic
recovery of the state to create jobs that will produce a long term benefits. With traits such as
profitability and jobs that will continue to be in use years after their creation. Energy Portfolio, creator
of “Green Collar Jobs” generates jobs that will perform both functions. If adopted by New York State, an
estimated 185, 000 jobs will be created by 2020. This will provide 25.6 billion dollars to rural landowners
and save an estimated 10.5 billion in energy bills. In addition, it will produce $20 billion in economic
output over the next 15 years. This will generate much needed revenue as well as give New York State
jobs in an industry that will flourish and expand in years to come.
Most importantly, investing in clean energy is imperative in order to compete globally with
other nations who have already started developing and utilizing alternative energy. Germany has far
surpassed other countries with extensive work in hydro, wind and solar power. France has nearly placed
all its power in nuclear and even China has begun its own green revolution. If the United States does not
act quickly and develop the same technologies and advances as these countries, we will surely fall
behind this fast growing industry. By moving in this direction, we as a nation will lessen our need on
foreign dependency for energy by using forms of renewable energy that is inflation proof and in an
inexhaustible supply.
Currently, The United States spends $70.2 billion on fossil fuels annually and $12.2 billion on
clean energy. The prospect of alternative energy may seen theoretical or a distant idea, however with
careful budget adjustments, it is a realistic solution for worldwide environmental issue.