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unhappycamper

(60,364 posts)
Thu Sep 18, 2014, 06:23 AM Sep 2014

US to train veterans to install solar panels

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA_SOLAR_PANELS?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=BUSINESS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

US to train veterans to install solar panels
By JOSH LEDERMAN
Associated Press
Sep 18, 6:02 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. will train at least 50,000 veterans to become solar panel installers in the next six years, the White House said Thursday.

The jobs training program is among a host of initiatives the White House says will cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 300 million tons through 2030, plus save billions of dollars on energy bills for homeowners and businesses. It will launch this fall at one or more military bases.

The Agriculture Department will also spend nearly $70 million to fund 540 solar and renewable energy projects, focused on rural and farming areas. And the Energy Department will propose stricter efficiency standards for commercial air conditioners, a move the department said could cut emissions more than any other efficiency standard it has issued to date.

The proposals are modest compared with what Obama has asked Congress to do through legislation to promote clean energy, invest in infrastructure projects and force reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. But with lawmakers unwilling to consider any major climate legislation, Obama has sought to maximize what presidential authority he does hold.
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US to train veterans to install solar panels (Original Post) unhappycamper Sep 2014 OP
Who saw that coming? Baitball Blogger Sep 2014 #1
All of these bases LittleGirl Sep 2014 #4
A worthy step, but FailureToCommunicate Sep 2014 #2
My guess is that this is money that President Obama can spend without going back to our obstructive jwirr Sep 2014 #6
Where will they be installed? Afghanistan? Iraq? Ilsa Sep 2014 #3
K&R nt raouldukelives Sep 2014 #5

LittleGirl

(8,404 posts)
4. All of these bases
Thu Sep 18, 2014, 08:28 AM
Sep 2014

need to stop making old technology like the A10 aircraft and build wind turbines and solar panels. Out here in the SW, we have an abundance of sun and wind and it goes to waste.

FailureToCommunicate

(14,313 posts)
2. A worthy step, but
Thu Sep 18, 2014, 07:18 AM
Sep 2014

The solar install industry isn't really lacking for workers...what it needs is a push on the creative financing side of things. Get banks and investment firms on board, and then watch the roofs get covered.

And this inititive is worth noting: solar on military homes and bases...

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/09/solarcity-to-install-solar-on-military-homes-doubling-residential-solar.html


jwirr

(39,215 posts)
6. My guess is that this is money that President Obama can spend without going back to our obstructive
Thu Sep 18, 2014, 09:02 AM
Sep 2014

congress for permission. He is doing what he can.

Ilsa

(62,219 posts)
3. Where will they be installed? Afghanistan? Iraq?
Thu Sep 18, 2014, 07:51 AM
Sep 2014

I'll be shocked if this is an infrastructure program for the US.

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