PA Environment Digest

Share this:

House Bill Introduced To Create Veterans Entering The Sustainability Sector Workforce Incentive Program

On May 24, Rep. Joe Webster (D-Montgomery) introduced House Bill 1239 creating the Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector Program creating incentives to hire veterans in this growing sector of the economy.

"Employment in the sustainability sector is growing, increasing the demand for positions within the green job market,” said Rep. Webster. “That is why I will be introducing legislation to establish the Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector (VETS) Program within the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide veterans with apprenticeship training and an opportunity to enter the workforce within the sustainability sector.

"Under this program, employers who hire veterans that have successfully completed or are expected to complete the apprenticeship will have the opportunity to apply for a grant in an amount based on the vocation of the hiring," said Rep. Webster.

The departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection would participate in the new program to provide veterans with apprenticeship training and the opportunity to enter the workforce in the sustainability sector.

"Underemployment is one of the greatest issues that veterans face following their service, with 37% of veterans more likely to be underemployed compared to non-veterans,” explained Rep. Webster. “Veterans, particularly those who do not possess a college degree, are often only hired for low-skill jobs, even though their training and experience from their service would make them desirable for other positions.

Recent reports have documented the growing economic opportunities provided by clean energy and agriculture in Pennsylvania.

Economic and clean energy groups released a report which found Pennsylvania’s Clean Energy economy grew to over 92,700 jobs in 2021.

Over 66 percent of clean energy jobs are created by small businesses across Pennsylvania, and people of color make up over 26 percent of the clean energy workforce despite representing 20 percent of the population.

Furthermore, over 60% of clean energy jobs are outside of Pennsylvania’s major cities, clearly demonstrating how the clean economy can bring benefit to workers across the Commonwealth.

This report includes related efforts to build out Pennsylvania’s clean energy infrastructure by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Historic investments coming to Pennsylvania from new federal programs to plug conventional oil and gas wells, reclaim abandoned mine lands and treat mine discharges, cleanup brownfields, support energy conservation, clean energy and climate resilience projects are creating new job opportunities.

The Department of Agriculture released an economic study which found in 2021 agriculture supported a total of 593,600 in Pennsylvania and generated $132.5 billion annually in economic activity.

The economic activity figure includes $32.8 billion in labor income alone.

These figures include opportunities in agriculture and related businesses promoted by the Department of Agriculture.

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office released an economic impact study which found in 2021 tourism supports 452,885 jobs in Pennsylvania and generated $66.3 billion annually in economic activity.

The economic activity figure includes state and local tax revenues of $4.2 billion.

In 2021, tourism brought over 180 million visitors to the state who spent $38 billion across the state at hotels, restaurants, retailers and other tourism related businesses.

These figures include opportunities in recreation and resources management promoted by DCNR.

Altogether, these sectors account for over 1,139,258 in Pennsylvania that depend on and help create a cleaner, safer environment in the Commonwealth.

State Agencies Are Hiring!

State agencies have openings now for jobs in the sustainability, environmental protection and resource management sectors.

Click Here to learn more.

Rep. Webster can be contacted by sending email to: jwebster@pahouse.net or by calling 717-787-0419.

NewsClip:

-- WHYY: Philadelphia Energy Coordinating Agency Green Job Training Prepares Future Philly Workers For Climate Transition

Related Articles - Sustainability Sector:

-- Report: Clean Energy Is A Leading Creator Of New Quality Jobs In Pennsylvania [PaEN]

-- Pennsylvania's Clean Energy Economy Grew To Over 92,700 Jobs Since COVID Economic Crisis [PaEN]

-- Penn State Study Finds Passing Bills To Authorize Community Solar Would Support 12,000 Jobs, Generate $1.8 Billion In Economic Impact For PA [PaEN]