Here's an update from the Apollo project that includes a lot information on jobs and economic development from renewable energy.

As America continues to suffer from the dramatic loss of manufacturing jobs, and increased dependence on foreign oil, recent progress in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan and California gives us hope.

Apollo On The Move Across America

Illinois Emerges as a Leader in Renewable Energy In his State of the State speech, Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) announced a renewable energy development plan that will make Illinois a national renewable energy leader. Governor Blagojevich, a supporter of the Apollo Alliance, is requesting that 8% of the energy sold in Illinois be supplied by renewable sources. Illinois has enough wind to generate a substantial amount of energy. By tapping into this clean, homegrown and renewable energy source, the state will create 3,000 jobs, generate more than $3 billion in local investments, and power nearly 1 million Illinois households with clean energy. Click here to watch Governor Blagojevich's announcement...
<http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81135>
<http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81135>

Pennsylvania Gets Clean Energy Jobs
Just last month Apollo Alliance Advisory Board member Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA) announced that Gamesa Corp-the world's second largest wind-energy company, will base its manufacturing facility for wind turbine generator blades in Johnstown, PA. The opening of the plant is estimated to create 500 new construction jobs, including 236 permanent manufacturing jobs for the Johnstown area and create as many as 1,000 jobs for the state over the next five years. "Not only is this one of the most significant economic development announcements in decades for the Johnstown area, but it also represents a significant turn around with Pennsylvania," announced Governor Rendell. Click here to read more... <http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81105>

Michigan Develops Clean Fuel Cells and Creates New Jobs In her State of the State Address, Governor Jennifer Granholm (D-MI) announced a $2 billion investment in high-tech industries creating 72,000 new jobs for the state of Michigan. The investment is largely aimed at the development of fuel-cells. Having lost over 140,000 high-wage jobs in the past four years, Gov. Granholm's bond proposal offers an inspiring and much needed vision for Michigan. "So, I ask you tonight to help build Michigan's future with me. Because the choice we face is stark: will we let Michigan's economy languish, or will we work together to create the good jobs our state needs? Will we stand still, or will we move forward?" Governor Granholm is a vocal supporter of the Apollo Alliance and part of Apollo's Working Governors Group. Last October, she joined Governors Richardson (D-NM) and Rendell (D-PA) in signing the Apollo Alliance's Governors Letter <http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81110> to President Bush.


California to Invest Billions in Clean Energy San Francisco recently secured $8.5 million for solar and energy efficiency projects in 2006. Across the city, public schools, libraries, police stations and fire departments will be outfitted with clean energy technology. These projects will create new jobs, reduce harmful emissions, and lower the city's electric bill saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Elsewhere in California, State Treasurer Phil Angelides (a member of the Apollo Alliance's national advisory board) announced the ground-breaking Green Wave initiative. This $1.5 billion investment in environmentally responsible companies will allow them to develop cutting-edge clean energy technologies. Executive Secretary Treasurer of the California Labor Federation Art Pulaski, also a pioneering member of the California Apollo Project, lent his support to Angelides' initiative by pointing out the complementary goals of the California Apollo Project and Green Wave. "The California Apollo Project is about changing our future...we need to see strong public investment in real job creation." Click here to read more...
<http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81106>

Moving Apollo Forward

Apollo Jobs Now
The Apollo Jobs study
<http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81111> , released in January 2004, shows the massive economic benefits of investmenting in clean energy. A flurry of new economic studies are amplifying our case.
Two new reports from Clean Edge, Inc., the Energy Foundation and Navigant Consulting Inc. highlight the enormous potential for solar PV in the U.S. if government, industry, and investors cooperate to bring down installed solar photovoltaic (PV) pricing.

Two more studies by our allies at Union of Concerned Scientists <http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81112> and U.S.
PIRG <http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81113> show that a national commitment to achieve 20% of our nation's energy from renewable sources will create jobs, save consumers billions of dollars, boost the U.S. economy, make America more secure, and help clean the air we breathe.

Apollo Continues to Grow
With your help and continued efforts the Apollo Alliance has framed the national debate, established groundbreaking coalitions in 22 states, and created the framework to produce thousands of jobs across the country.

In addition to these accomplishments, Apollo has been constantly working to increase organizational capacity to make the movement for energy independence stronger. As part of this development we are pleased to announce an expansion of our national Steering Committee. Learn more about our new Steering Committee here...
<http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81107>

Please continue to support our grassroots efforts by donating to the Apollo Alliance <http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81114> or by passing this message on to a friend <http://action.apolloalliance.org/ctt.asp?u=1299891&l=81115> . We thank you for all of your support and look forward to collectively shaping America's future.

Bracken Hendricks
Executive Director, Apollo Alliance

And the Apollo Team: Jeff, Brian, Ragini, Carla, and Bill