In the aftermath of a decisive win for clean energy last week, supporters of the status quo have resorted to more distortions and name-calling, claiming the promise of green jobs was a lie. I am not surprised by this uneducated and irresponsible statement, as it just a sampling of the misinformation that was disseminated by proponents of Proposition 23 during the election campaign.
For example, despite Ms. Kerns’ claims, Solyndra isn’t shutting down its plant – the company is consolidating its operations and is sticking to its plans to increase production next year. (Source)
Let me offer a few additional facts about a California industry actually creating jobs in the midst of this economic downturn. Hundreds of solar companies – contractors, distributors, and manufacturers – throughout California have been growing their businesses, mostly without fanfare or press releases. Here are a few of the manufacturers who have been in California for some time but seldom receive the attention of the press:
· Kyocera is expanding their manufacturing capacity in San Diego
· SolarWorld recently took over the old Shell facility in Camarillo, expanding its capacity
· SunEarth is expanding production in Fontana
· Heliodyne is expanding production in Richmond
Despite the claims by Proposition 23 supporters who wanted to avoid the state’s clean energy policies and kill opportunities for the clean energy companies we represent, it’s very clear these companies are creating jobs. And voters clearly understand the promise of green job growth in the future, as evident by the margin of defeat of Prop 23.
According to the third edition of the California Green Innovation Index, an initiative from Next 10, manufacturing employment in core green economy expanded by 19 percent, with growth since 1995 in the Bay Area (55%), Orange County (54%), and San Joaquin Valley (38%).
In addition, there are hundreds of construction contractors who are solar specialty companies and have been expanding their businesses throughout California. Other contractors, such as electrical and general contractors, are adding solar to their services to help address the lack of work in their traditional business services.
Opponents of California’s growing clean energy economy continue to want to churn out misinformation, but let’s be clear – Proposition 23 wasn’t just soundly defeated. It received more “no” votes than any other race in the nation, sending a strong signal that transitioning to clean energy now is what people want. It’s time to move past the propaganda and work together toward solutions.