Mayors tout jobs from green initiatives

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.
MPR Photo/Tom Scheck

The mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul are touting the new jobs that can be created as the country moves to renewable energy.

Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak says thousands of workers can be hired to manufacture the components for wind turbines, solar panels, and other renewable energy equipment.

According to Rybank, "When alternative energy mandates like Minnesota's go into effect, when carbon caps go on at a federal level, the playing field will be equal, and those who are smart about being on front end of environmental sustainability are going to be in much better shape for the new economy."

A report from the Blue Green Alliance -- a partnership of the Sierra Club and United Steelworkers -- says more than 350 companies in the Twin Cities area could hire more than eight-thousand workers to meet the demand for alternative energy products and services.

More details are expected in January, when the Mayors' Green Manufacturing Initiative reports on job potential in renewable energy, transportation, and building products.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.