Letter to Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor

Letter

Letter to Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor

Dear Secretary Chao:

As you know, the president signed H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, into law on December 19, 2007 [P.L.110-140]. We are proud that this law will advance the country's energy efficiency, conservation, and use of renewable energy, goals that we all agree are tremendously important. One of the ways that this legislation advances these goals is through a program to bolster America's workforce and we write today to request information regarding the Department of Labor's plan to implement Title X, Green Jobs, of this law.

A major national investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency could create more than three million jobs over the next ten years. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, however, the lack of skilled workers is the largest non-technical barrier to the advancement of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Title X of P.L. 110-140, Green Jobs, creates a sustainable, comprehensive public program to be administered by the Secretary of Labor to provide quality training for jobs created through renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.

As such, we write today to request that you quickly implement this program; including drafting any needed regulations, so that it can be fully funded in Fiscal Year 2009, if not sooner. As we work with our colleagues to ensure full funding at the earliest opportunity, we want to know that the Department of Labor is taking all appropriate steps to be prepared once funding is provided.

We look forward to speaking with you regarding the Department's plan for implementing Title X of P.L. 110-140, Green Jobs. Margaret Van Tassell of Sen. Sanders' staff will be in contact to arrange a time for us to speak about this matter.

Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Sincerely,

Bernard Sanders
U.S. Senate

Hillary Rodham Clinton
U.S. Senate

John F. Tierney
U.S. House of Representatives

Hilda L. Solis
U.S. House of Representatives