State of the Union: renewable energy equals jobs By Chris Madison (AWEA)

What was more striking than the omission of the word wind was the fact that each time he talked about jobs–the highest priority for his administration going forward–he immediately mentioned clean energy jobs. The two ideas became a single vision. The President reiterated his commitment to building a new energy economy and showed that he understands the role wind energy and solar and other renewables are playing in the creation of new jobs. That sends a strong signal to the American people.

The President also touched on the increasing global competition in the construction of clean energy manufacturing facilities, saying in reference to China, India and Germany, "These countries are making serious investment in clean energy because they want those jobs."

He also renewed his call for "a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America. ..Providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future – because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation."

How do we get the manufacturing jobs here? How do we get the investment? A renewable electricity standard (RES), which is part of the comprehensive energy and climate bill mentioned by the President.

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