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E2SHB 2815: Green-Economy Jobs-Growth Initiative

During the 2008 session, the Washington state legislature passed a bill that would provide a framework for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions in the Washington economy. E2SHB 2815 required the Employment Security Department (ESD) to conduct a labor-market survey to determine the number of "green jobs" in the local economy. The legislation directed several state agencies to stimulate the development of a green economy and increase the number of green economy jobs to 25,000 by the year 2020. The lead agency is the state's Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED).

An advisory team was established to discuss the implementation of the measure. The members include The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, the Employment Security Department, Washington State University's Energy Extension Program, University of Washington's Business and Economic Development Center, The Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, Climate Solutions–Seattle, Clean-Tech Alliance, Washington Building Trades, the Washington State Labor Council and the Association of Washington Business.

Common definitions for "green economy" and "green jobs" were developed. The advisory team is using these definitions as a framework for its work and coordination efforts:
Green jobs promote environmental protection and energy security.
The green economy is rooted in the development and use of products and services that promote environmental protection and energy security. It is composed of industries and businesses engaged in energy efficiency, renewable energy, preventing and reducing pollution, mitigating or cleaning up pollution.

ESD conducted a survey to estimate the number of green jobs and green industries in Washington. The study serves as a baseline measure. The targeted business sectors and activities include manufacturing, construction, financing/venture capital, research and development, waste management, recycling, environmental cleanup, bio fuels and other non-petroleum-based energy production, and design or engineering activities.

A final report identifying "high-demand" green jobs, occupations and industries will be issued at the end of January 2009 for consideration by the legislature.

Information courtesy of the Department of Employment Security

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