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Unions, environment groups form alliance September 7, 2006
A new coalition of unions, businesses, and environmental and healthy schools groups is urging New York leaders to invest in clean energy and create more jobs. "NYSUT's 575,000 members welcome the Apollo Alliance to New York state," said Alan Lubin, NYSUT executive vice president. The alliance, a coalition determined to rebuild the state's work force while protecting the environment, was launched in July. New York is the 11th state to launch an Apollo Alliance chapter. The NYSUT Board of Directors has endorsed the alliance's 10-point plan for creating good "green-collar" jobs and energy independence. A study cited by the alliance shows investments in clean energy and more efficient infrastructure could make up for a large chunk of the 130,000 manufacturing jobs lost since 2001. "A significant investment in manufacture of renewable power components could create up to 20,000 good manufacturing jobs in New York alone," said Jeff Jones, a member of New York's Apollo Alliance Steering Committee. "It's a very big school issue," said Lubin. "This year we have millions in capital money (in the state budget). Let's build schools that are environmentally healthy and safe." The statewide union will be working with the coalition to develop school-based programs connected to the reading, math, science and social studies curricula. "Our schools should serve as institutional community role models," Lubin said, "demonstrating the educational value of a clean, energy-efficient environment, while educating students for the new work force." |
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