On December 19th, 2007 the Energy Independence and Security Act became law. Title Ten of this Act, known as the, “Green Jobs Act of 2007″ requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to establish an energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program under which the Secretary shall carry out two primary activities, a “National Research Program” and award “National Energy Training Partnership Grants.”

One hundred twenty-five million dollars is authorized to be appropriated of which approximately twenty-two million has been approved. Both Presidential candidates have promised and are expected to lobby for, a greener economy and we believe more funding will eventually be appropriated. Green Collar Technologies analysis of the Act confirms that Hawai`i meets the eligibility requirements. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis in Hawai`i (PAD District 5). Opportunities do potentially exist in several areas for Hawai`i Island. We are in discussion with Hawai`i County’s Department of Research and Development to learn how funding may become available to conduct further research. 

Green Collar Technologies has been researching, organizing and delivering educational opportunities in sustainability on Hawai`i Island. Our work with local University, businesses, community non-profit organizations and national trade associations uniquely qualifies our organization to assist local and state government in further planning and capacity development.

Green Collar Technologies has carried out 6 of the 7 initial activities required by Section 2 (National Research Program) of the Green Jobs Act. Green Collar Technologies has met each of the three eligibility requirements to receive a National Energy Training Partnership Grant. 

Further research is needed now to help prepare Hawai`i Island’s “green” stakeholders and eligible entities for the National Energy Training Partnership Grants. Immediate preparation is needed to plan for other, potentially larger, green funding initiatives such as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (“Green”) Block Grant Program. 

According to the Act, priority will be given to partnerships which leverage additional public and private resources to fund training programs, including cash or in-kind matches from participating employers. We are seeking the support of Hawai`i County for contributions to aid in our research.

In addition to serving as a resource for the Green Jobs Act for the County of Hawai`i we also believe we can serve by further organizing and developing resources for green collar workers in accordance with our corporate focus.

• Assist with determining, documenting and communicating eligibility requirements, appropriation analysis and specific opportunities presented by the Green Jobs Act.
• Assist in reaching out to specific groups, organizations and businesses to assist.
• Assist State agencies with the STATE LABOR MARKET RESEARCH, INFORMATION AND LABOR EXCHANGE RESEARCH PROGRAM.
• Assist in identifying eligible State Energy Sector Partnerships and communicating grant opportunities under the STATE ENERGY TRAINING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
• Assist in determining eligibility requirements, delivering courses and providing necessary data collection and reporting to meet the requirements of the PATHWAYS OUT OF POVERTY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
• Assist eligible organizations in negotiating and meeting required performance metrics.