Rep. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District and a member of the Safe Climate Caucus spoke on the House floor last night about how enhancing green job training programs at community colleges can prepare workers for careers in a clean energy economy that helps address the impacts of climate change.

The Safe Climate Caucus, a group of Democratic members who are highlighting the need for action on climate change through daily floor speeches and other activities. Watch Luján’s speech here: http://www.lujan.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1058.

“Mr. Speaker, the news that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere passed 400 parts per million for the first time in human history should serve as a wakeup call that we can no longer ignore the threat of climate change. Now I know there are some that still don’t believe in science and believe that climate change isn’t real, but we should all agree that this is a problem that we have to confront.

“Addressing climate change is not only important for our environment, but it also for our economy. Creating a clean energy economy powered by solar, wind, and other renewable resources will spur new jobs, new technological advancements, and grow our economy.

“In order to ensure that we can compete and win in the global market to develop clean energy technologies, it is vital that we have a trained workforce ready to work. That is why this week I reintroduced the Community College Energy Training Act, legislation to support clean energy job training programs in our community colleges.

“Community colleges play an integral role in training and retraining Americans who want to get ahead and learn the skills that will open up new opportunities. By investing in training programs in the clean energy sector, we can lay the foundation for success in a field that holds such great potential and prepare our students for the good jobs of tomorrow.”