Are Green Technologies the Way to Improve the Economy?

Many believe that the way to more jobs is through green technology. Do you agree with this statement and, if so, what types of green jobs could you hypothetically see established in the area you would represent? If you don't agree, what job sector do you believe needs to see the most growth?

Denise Garlick (D)

Green technology is a vital component of growing jobs and strengthening the economy in Massachusetts, including this district.  We need to combine our focus on green tech with other sectors with high-growth potential, such as health services, financial services, life sciences and information technology, to give Massachusetts a balanced approach for economic growth.  Diversifying our growth strategy prepares us for the uncertain economic future of the Commonwealth and our country.

Joshua Levy (R)

Green technology represents a fascinating set of industries, particularly in the realm of energy efficiency. They may very well lead to a creation of jobs. However, it is not the government's role to subsidize commercial industries. If green technologies can flourish on their own, there is no need for the government to subsidize them; if green technologies do not live up to expectations, government subsidies would amount to a poor investment. The sectors that grow will invariably be those that exhibit innovation, creativity, and business acumen.

Gary McNeill (D)

America's manufacturing base- the backbone of a strong economy- keeps shrinking. All the while, foreign countries fiercely compete for our jobs. Green technology is a viable market for economic growth - but I have witnessed first hand economic challenges. Many advocate on behalf of "Green Technologies" but are unwilling to pay the premium for such technologies with suitable and more cost efficient alternatives. By making bold and wise investments in industry, energy and education, and restoring fiscal accountability to government spending, we will cut costs for American families and businesses, create good jobs that can't be shipped overseas, give our children the education they need to be competitive in the global marketplace and leave our grandchildren a legacy they can be proud to inherit.

John O'Leary (R)

Without question, we need to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels. It is the right thing to do for both the environment and the economy. We need to be realistic, however, about how much government can do to promote "green jobs." Every president since Gerald Ford has signed legislation promoting alternative energies. These initiatives have been expensive and produced little in terms of results. Encouraging alternative energy is best done by raising the cost of pollution, enabling green technologies to profitably compete in the market. Instead of picking winners, we need to get the incentives right.

Jerry Wasserman (D)

I agree green technology could be a key economic growth engine in Massachusetts. It has skilled manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, and design jobs that Massachusetts needs. To recruit those jobs, we should create a market since businesses locate near large markets. This can be accomplished by providing incentives to businesses, municipalities and individuals, encouraging them to use alternative energies. Many green energy related business are still small, we need to remove barriers to ensure that there are sufficient investment funds available. We can save on energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and bring jobs into the state by using alternative energy.