Union Advocate - At Washington Conference, McCollum Calls for Investments in Clean Energy

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By Unknown

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota's 4th Congressional District outlined a vision for "using the power of American manufacturing to secure America's energy independence" in remarks made at the Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference in Washington, D.C. last month.

The conference, now in its sixth year, met April 16-18, bringing together leaders from labor unions, environmental organizations and businesses united behind the idea of growing a clean-energy economy that fosters social, economic and environmental justice.

McCollum called for "smart" public investments in infrastructure and the energy grid, as well as "targeted tax credits" that will spark private investments necessary to "make America a powerhouse in the green economy."

"Our responsibility as federal legislators is to create an environment that encourages that growth," McCollum said. "If we want homegrown energy and homegrown jobs, we need to plant the seeds."

McCollum also pledged to fight for legislation that would make federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, more energy efficient.
"My door is always open to you, and I'm here to work with you," she told conference goers. "But we need to get more members of Congress on board! You need to spread the message."

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