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Governor Culver Takes Steps to Create New Green-Collar Jobs in Iowa

DES MOINES (Iowa Governor's Office Release)-Governor Chet Culver has signed Executive Order 16, which creates the Iowa Green Jobs Task Force. 

"In recent years, thanks to our efforts in biofuels and wind energy, we have created thousands of green-collar jobs for Iowans," said Governor Culver.  "However, if we are to expand these industries, we must also have the workforce necessary to fill those positions.  That is why I am creating the Green Jobs Task Force, which will help coordinate our state's efforts in creating and filling the green-collar jobs of the future."

The fifteen member task force is to help focus state government's efforts in creating high-paying, green-collar jobs, as well as coordinate the state's efforts to secure federal green initiative grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Roya Stanley, Executive Director of the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, will serve as chair,  and Lis Buck, Director of Iowa Workforce Development, will serve as Vice Chair.  Executive Order 16 charges the task force with creating jobs and training workers in the renewable energy industry.  They are to prepare a report and present it to the Governor by October 1st on their activities, and provide recommendations on ways we can expand the number of green-collar jobs in Iowa.

Underscoring the state's commitment to making government green, the Governor earlier today participated in the groundbreaking for the new Iowa Utilities Board/Office of Consumer Advocate Building on the State Capitol Complex.  Built entirely with Utility Fees and without tax dollars, the building will feature state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies.  When completed, it will be the first state-owned building to seek the LEED Platinum designation.

These actions are another step in the Culver/Judge Administration's efforts to make Iowa a leader in renewable energy.  In 2007, Governor Culver signed into law the Iowa Power Fund, a $100-million research and development fund that is helping to discover the next generation of renewable energy.  Governor Culver and Lt. Governor Judge have worked tirelessly to expand Iowa's renewable energy industry, which has resulted in new jobs and new opportunities in communities large and small. 

In addition, Governor Culver has signed two executive orders to make state government more green.  Executive Order 3 required state agencies to start purchasing more flex-fuel vehicles and to start using E-85 fuel, while Executive Order 6 established the Green Government Initiative has looked at ways state government can improve energy efficiency and become a model for sustainability.