News From USW: Gerard, Pope on the Road to Energy Independence: "Renewables Now!"

Business Wire, Oct 27, 2006

PHILADELPHIA -- News From USW: Leo Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) will join Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope and Governor Ed Rendell for a press conference outside of Independence Hall (Fifth Avenue and Market St.) at Philadelphia's City Center on Friday, November 3, 2006, at 10:00 am to respond to a renewable energy report by the Apollo Alliance that details the job creation potential of green manufacturing in Pennsylvania.

The USW and the Sierra Club formed a separate alliance earlier this year and have been working with state and local officials who support rebuilding the economy of America's industrial heartland by encouraging investment in renewable energy solutions and fighting for fair trade.

"Right now we have a historic opportunity to forge a new direction," said Gerard. "Investments in environmentally friendly alternative energy programs at the state level, supported by federal initiatives, can create a new surge of quality job growth while significantly reducing our dependence on foreign oil."

The USW and Sierra Club believe that new, environmentally friendly production initiatives would reduce the flow of jobs out of the country and trim down the current record trade deficit, at the same time taking steps to combat emissions of the so-called "greenhouse gasses" that are thought to cause global warming.

Philadelphia's historic Independence Hall will be the backdrop as Pennsylvania Governor Rendell joins Gerard and Pope to celebrate the state's commitment to clean cars, renewable energy and revitalizing the Commonwealth's economy with "green" job creation initiatives.

With 750,000 members nationwide, the Sierra Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. Inspired by nature, the club works to protect our communities and the planet.

The USW is the largest industrial union in North America with more than 850,000 members.

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