January 8, 2010

REP. JOHNSON APPOINTED TO JOBS TASK FORCE

Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) has appointed State Representative Susan Johnson (D-Windham), a member of the legislature's Energy and Technology Committee, to serve on a working group charged with developing a plan for how the state can create new jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.

“Building a green economy in Connecticut is a win-win. Its good for the economy and its good for the environment,” said Representative Johnson. “Not only will it reduce our dependency on foreign oil and greenhouse gas causing emissions, but it will also create good paying jobs.”

Serving on the committee with Representative Johnson are a group of experts in the area of clean energy and also representatives from the community colleges, technical schools, trades, labor, workforce development and environmental community.

“Connecticut is well suited to grow a workforce that concentrates on the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries that pay suitable wages and benefits to the residents of our state while reducing our overall carbon footprint,” Speaker Donovan explained. “As this area develops, Connecticut is situated in a place to be a leader of this industry, which will become an imperative part of the way the world acquires its energy on a daily basis.”

The first meeting of the group was held yesterday in Hartford where presentations were made on green jobs policies nationwide, current policies in Connecticut, and federal stimulus activity in this area.

The committee will be conducting its work in conjunction with the Electricity Rate Relief Workgroup of which Representative Johnson is also a member.

Representative Susan Johnson is serving her first term representing the 49th Assembly District in Windham. She serves on the Education, Energy & Technology, and Finance Revenue & Bonding Committees.