Clinton: Alternative energy investment would create jobs

[rinsd]

By JENNIFER JACOBS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

October 9, 2007

Boone, Ia. - Creating a $50 billion Strategic Energy Fund would help create millions of new jobs and help rebuild the prosperity of the 1990s throughout America, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said Monday during a six-city bus tour through Iowa.

"Unless we make some changes, we are in danger of eroding that American dream," she told a crowd of about 475 in a packed banquet room at the Gigglin' Goat Restaurant in Boone. "Remember six years ago? My husband left a balanced budget and a surplus."

Clinton, who is doing a two-day tour in a bus dubbed the "Middle Class Express," pitched ideas for "rebuilding the road to the middle class."

That includes bolstering retirement security by promoting savings and investment, moving toward balanced budgets, and helping Americans afford health care and college, she said.

Under her Strategic Energy Fund plan, oil companies could choose to invest in alternative energy, or pay a portion of their earnings into the government fund, she said. The fund would pay for tax incentives for homeowners and businesses that make their houses and offices more energy efficient. Investment in alternative energy will help create new, well-paying jobs in the United States, she said.

More at the link - http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071009/NEWS09/710090409/1001/NEWS

[gateley]

1. I agree that alternative energy will - by necessity - become a growing industry

in the very near future. My concern (not just if Hillary becomes Prez, but regardless of who ascends that lofty throne) is that research and manufacturing will continue to be done overseas. As for installation, well, I can't see laborer as being a 'well paying job'.

The problem is systemic - far more vast than I could hope to comprehend, so I think other issues need to be addressed and steps taken to ensure that the jobs do remain here.

But I'm all for anybody who has an energy plan -- the world is desperate.

[durrrty libby]

2. K

[Cameron27]

3. Thanks for the info,

K&R

[BrklynLib at work]

4. Not a particularly revolutionary new concept..

[Lucinda]

5. Doesn't have to be to have merit