By Anne Pickering
WEST CHESTER — With states looking for "shovel-ready" projects funded
with the federal economic stimulus package under debate in Congress,
environmental groups want some of these plans to be focused on energy
efficiency.
With an eye to drawing attention to green jobs,
environmental groups are hosting a Pennsylvania Green Economy forum
Thursday at West Chester University.
The forum is set for 7 to 9 p.m. in the Sykes Student Union Ballroom.
Keynote speaker will be Kathleen McGinty, former secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection.
McGinty is now with Element Partners LLC, a venture capital firm focused on clean technology.
Adam
Garber, a field organizer with PennEnvironment, said organizers expect
a turnout of at least 150 people. More than 250 people had already
responded.
Following McGinty's comments, there will be a question-and-answer period with panelists from government and industry.
Fred
Dedrick, the deputy undersecretary for work force development for the
state Department of Labor and Industry, will be on the panel.
"He
has insight into what green jobs might be shovel-ready" and could take
advanatage of the economic stimulus package, Garber said.
Stephanie
Madsen, an account manager with Comverge Inc., will also be on the
panel. Comverge specializes in helping large companies improve energy
efficiency and manage demand.
Representing labor will be Michael Fedor, director of the Central PA Labor Movement of the AFL-CIO.
More information can be found on WCU's Web site, www.wcupa.org, under lectures at "This Week at WCU."
Thursday
is also the National Teach-In for Global Warming day, when
participating schools across the country set aside time to call
attention to climate change.
AT WCU, several teachers have organized discussions and activities Thursday.
According to information on its Web site, www.nationalteachin.org, more than a million people will be participating at schools, civic organzations and businesses.
