Albuquerque first city to sign green jobs pledge

Albuquerque became the first city to sign onto a new commitment by local government leaders to build a green economy.

The green jobs pledge initiative launched on May 14 at the ICLEI Local Action Summit, which is being held in Albuquerque. ICLEI, founded as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, is an association of local governments and national and regional organizations committed to sustainable development.

Mayor Martin Chávez introduced the commitment to 400 local, elected government officials and staff attending the summit at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

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"This gives Albuquerque another great opportunity to define policies that stimulate our already thriving green jobs economy," said Chávez. "We will always strive to enhance our city's international reputation as a leader in sustainable economic development."

Cities that sign the pledge commit to focus on green-collar jobs as a central strategy for advancing environmental, economic and climate protection goals. Such jobs contribute to preserving or enhancing environmental quality and provide competitive salaries and lead to a lasting career track, according to the pledge. They also emphasize community-based investments that can't be outsourced.

Signatories commit to using the purchasing power of local governments to create markets for renewable energy, energy efficiency and other green industries, and invest local government resources in programs and initiatives that build a green economy.

Michelle Wyman, executive director of ICLEI, said the pledge sends a message out to manufacturers and other companies that a city that signs onto this is looking for companies that are creating these kinds of opportunities.

"These local leaders recognize the opportunities of being early adopters and are demonstrating the competitive advantages of building a green economy from the ground up," she said.

The 1,500 workers that Schott Solar plans to hire here will get a skill set that will make them very marketable in such an economy, she added.

Chávez said all the pieces of building a green economy are falling into place in Albuquerque, including efforts by economic development officials and educational institutions. But he said it's unfortunate that all these initiatives around the country are coming from local governments.

"The federal government has been a no-show on this," he said. "I think no matter who wins [the presidential election], it will be totally different. We'll have a federal partner."