Did you know that this week was Clean Energy Week? I didn’t. I write about clean energy jobs, a green economy, and the importance of energy efficiency on a weekly basis and I didn’t even realize that Feb. 1–5 has been named Clean Energy Week by a group of nonprofits, NGOs, activists and other organizations.

 

These organizations have joined forces to help promote the importance of clean energy and gain legislative support from Congress. Organizers look to the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) legislation as having the potential to create nearly two million green jobs by 2020. ACES (H.R. 2454) passed through the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009 and is now waiting for action in the Senate.

 

Clean Energy Week organizers also support cap-and-trade legislation. They not only support it, but they want to see legislative action taken quickly to help advance the goal of a green economy in our nation.

 

“We can’t resolve climate change without building a clean energy economy to ensure the competitiveness of U.S. business in a global marketplace,” said Earth Day Network President Kathleen Rogers. “Clean Energy Week is a way of amplifying and strengthening our urgent message to Congress — pass comprehensive climate legislation that caps carbon emissions and promotes sustainability by Earth Day, April 22, 2010.” Source: Clean Energy Week (PDF)

 

That’s right, Earth Day 2010, just a few weeks away. This is definitely an aggressive goal.

 

In addition to urging legislators to act now on cap-and-trade, Clean Energy Week organizers are also hosting several events. Although the week is halfway over, there are still opportunities for you to get involved. The RETECH 2010 Conference and Exhibition begins today at the Washington D.C. Convention Center. The Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Exhibition runs through Friday and features a trade show as well as a business conference featuring six different workshop tracks.

 

Tomorrow, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) will be hosting a free Clean Energy & Climate Legislation roundtable event at 8 a.m. Later in the day, World Team Now will be hosting a free Renewable Energy Interactive Webinar. For more events, view the Clean Energy Week events schedule.

 

Now that I know about Clean Energy Week, I’ll be on the lookout for it next year. I’m sure that clean energy jobs will still be on the political agenda, so I’ll be sure to share events with you in advance.