Green Jobs Now!

A nationwide mobilization will launch this weekend to address America's deepening environmental and economic crises. Green Jobs Now, a national day of action set for Saturday, Sept. 27, will feature hundreds of grassroots events across the country calling on our leaders to tackle the climate crisis by investing in a green economy. According to the organizers, which include Green for All, 1Sky, and the We Campaign:

Right now, there are millions of people ready to work and countless jobs to be done that will strengthen our economy at home. There are thousands of buildings that need to be weatherized, solar panels to be installed, and wind turbines to be erected. There are communities that need local and sustainable food and people ready to farm the crops. There are public transit systems and smart electricity grids in need of engineers and electricians. Americans are ready to build the new economy. It's time to invest in saving the planet and the people. It's time for green jobs now!

Among the things organizers are calling for is funding for the Green Jobs Act of 2007, a bill that would invest millions of dollars in green-collar job creation and training. While Congress passed the legislation as Title X of the Energy Independence and Security Act, it has not yet appropriated money for it.

For a full listing of scheduled events, which include dozens across the South, click here. To add your name to the online petition calling on elected officials to help build a green economy, click here.