In 2007 Congress passed the Green Jobs Act as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act, and made additional significant investments in green jobs in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Green jobs are family-supporting jobs that contribute significantly to preserving or enhancing environmental quality. The majority of current and future jobs in the green economy are middle-skill jobs, requiring training beyond high school, but less than a four-year degree. Green middle-skill jobs range from entry-level to high-wage in diverse industries, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and biofuels. Within these industries, green jobs include building, construction, assembly, installation, operation, maintenance, transportation, and manufacturing. 

This page contains materials and analysis, developed by National Skills Coaltion, about how training policies and investments should be targeted to meet the labor market demand for green jobs.

National Skills Coalition Platform and Overview

Green Jobs are Middle-Skills Jobs | March 2008

Current Law

The Green Jobs Act, Title X of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (PL 110-114)

Summary of the Green Jobs Act of 2007 | March 2008 

Agency Materials

Green Jobs Innovation Fund

• Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) | Department of Labor, 2010

Competitive Grants for Green Job Training:

• Training and Employment Notice | Department of Labor, May 15, 2009
• Summary | May 2009

Other Resources

Greener Skills: How Credentials Create Value in the Clean Energy Economy | Center on Wisconsin Strategy, 2010 

Greener Pathways: Jobs and Workforce Development in the Clean Energy Economy | National Skills Coalition (formerly The Workforce Alliance), Center on Wisconsin Strategy, The Apollo Alliance, 2008