Tag Archives: jobs

We’ve reached a tipping point: there are now more solar jobs than oil jobs

Posted on January 14, 2016 by davidjkatz

For local communities, the most compelling argument for the growth of oil and gas operations is the promise of jobs. But, as we’ve learned from the boom and bust in the Bakken over the last two years, explosive growth can occur, but oil jobs are not sustainable over the long term.

By contrast, the solar industry is growing at 20% per year, and this growth is likely sustainable, driven by substantial reductions in the cost of installation since 2010. As a result, solar is now an affordable energy source. And solar growth is not subject to the same booms and busts as oil extraction, because it is not dependent on volatility in the price of an external energy source.

The implications for local communities are clear, and elected officials in Carbon and Stillwater Counties would do well to take heed. Continue reading →

Posted in Clean energy | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Montana elected leaders’ response to Keystone XL decision is unanimous, but not visionary

Posted on November 9, 2015 by davidjkatz

Say what you will about President Obama’s decision last week to reject TransCanada’s bid to build the Keystone XL Pipeline, it brought unity to Montana’s elected leaders. They were unanimous in their displeasure.

In their bipartisan agreement they claim to be fighting for jobs and economic development, which is admirable, but they are failing to lead in a way that will point Montana to long-term energy viability. Continue reading →

Posted in Community Organization, Politics and History | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments