The Economy vs. Clean Energy: A False Choice
I represent an alliance of
nearly 1,000 small, mainstream companies in California, who employ tens of
thousands of people around the state, and who are committed to pursuing clean
energy policies that help grow the economy and create jobs. Our network is made
up of businesses from all geographic regions of the state and includes owners
of print shops, restaurants, construction firms, and landscape companies; CEOs
of and investors in solar and renewable companies; leaders of chambers of
commerce and business associations; and more.
Many of our members would
certainly join the chorus of voices, led by John Kabateck of the National
Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), calling for California to become
more business friendly, but not if regulatory reform occurs at the expense of
moving forward with critical clean energy policies. It is this pursuit of clean
energy that is resulting in thousands of new jobs in energy efficiency,
construction, and manufacturing – and all of this job creation benefits the
very small businesses that NFIB represents.