09-15-2008, 11:00 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Rob Tucker
Probably has something to do with the fact that we import 90%+ of our energy too.
Finding our way into an actual sustainable reality will not be a straight line smooth path. There are things to try that will succeed and things to try that will fail. There will be attempts that disappoint and there will be attempts that surprise. Our biggest failure will be if we fail to try.
This topic started with mention of a resolution "…encouraging the administration to research the application process to obtain funding for an energy worker-related training program" for grants. Hard to see the harm in researching application processes. It seems very prudent to understand the opportunities that are out there.
Punaweb moderator
Mahalo for the good points.
True, the resolution was written to learn more about the funding opportunities. Since the Energy Independence and Security Act became law (title ten is the green jobs act) and the two presidential candidates seem to favor a "green" economy, it seems like a good idea to learn more -before proceeding.
That's the intent of County R&D and in my opinion, the right path to take. It's all a learning process and we're all just trying to adapt to inevitable change. Some have adopted the notion of change but not everyone needs to. Not everyone needs to learn to use email or forums and not everyone should learn anything about sustainability. It's a choice.
Our organization will provide the training regardless of any public or private help. We will set tuitions and quality levels as best we can as we have been doing. We will teach the classes people want to pay to learn. I don't care if their called blue-collar workers next year. Heck, we we don't care if you're a no-collar worker, we'll do the teaching and organizing.
With that said, I'm not sure that it's a good idea at this late stage to deny federal funding.
I have what I believe to be compelling reasons for accepting the "already appropriated" funds. I'd love to hear reasons for and against on Saturday the 27th at our Green Jobs event in Hilo. Please see post on our site for details -much mahalo.