White House Council Holds Live Chat on Green Initatives

WASHINGTON, DC - This afternoon, the White House Council on Environmental Quality held a live chat to answer questions on how the administration is handling green initiatives across the nation.

Van Jones, special advisor on green jobs, discussed everything from small business grants to energy efficient public housing in an easy-to-understand way and provided listeners with resources to join the green recovery movement. If you missed the chat, check out Jones’ answers to few of the questions below.

How can we get involved in the training for green jobs?

Jones pointed out that many community colleges and trade schools across the country are beginning to offer programs to train workers in the latest green manufacturing and technology. But he also said it doesn’t stop there.

“Whatever you are passionate about, you’ll have an opportunity to do that in a green way."

What role will transportation play in the green movement?

Under the current administration’s plan, America will not only invest in clean public transportation through new equipment like “heavy hybrid” engines for buses, but will also strive to lead the way in new technologies. Jones said efforts should also be made to see that mass transit is available to all people.

How can we find out if grants are available to “green” our small businesses?

Several online resources are available. Visit http://www.recovery.gov/ for information on grants made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Also http://fedbizopps.gov/ has information on contract opportunities and http://grants.gov/ has information on grant opportunities.

Is the green movement just a passing trend?

Jones said “ just making people feel better does not change a thing.” However, Americans will be willing to make a lifelong commitment to improving their environmental quality of life when they are able to reap personal benefits from these changes. For instance, making money off green technologies and creating businesses with an environmental focus will not be a passing fad.

For more information on the White House Council on Environmental Quality, visit its website.

This was originally posted on the League of Conservation Voter's staff and member blog, Act Green.