According to a recently released study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), green jobs accounted for 2.5 percent of total U.S. employment in 2010. Additionally, Vermont had the highest percentage of green jobs, at 4.4 percent, or nearly 13,000 jobs.
The BLS defines green jobs as “jobs in businesses that produce goods and provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources.”
This definition umbrellas those employed in the nuclear industry, as well as those working for manufacturers of energy-efficient appliances, batteries and wind turbines, and hydroelectric dams, bus drivers, trash collectors, and those who work in many other occupations. The complete study can be found at the BLS website.
Vermont Yankee has produced clean electricity for more than 40 years. Its clean operation avoids 2.8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, as well as emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Avoidance of these harmful greenhouse gases has helped Vermont achieve its second-place nationwide ranking for lowest overall carbon footprint. Clearly, this environmental benefit is in line with the bureau's definition of green jobs.
As recently reported in the media, Gov. Peter Shumlin says he wouldn't have included Vermont Yankee in the green jobs tally.
As a Vermont Yankee employee, I'm pleased that the Bureau of Labor Statistics recognizes my job as green, but I wish the Vermont Legislature would put their political agenda aside and do the same.