As the debate on the stimulus package continues, it will be interesting to see whether infrastructure will be a key component. Seen as an important element to growing the economy, construction and civil engineering projects take a lot of time to plan and execute effectively. That being said, there are a ton of projects here in California that are just waiting for a green light and already speculation is flying about which far-off projects here in the Yay might be accelerated. Hopefully the 580 connection repair will be be a model for future projects. It was speedy and came in under-budget, which means there was little to no graft or corruption involved.

The energy independence lobby and environmental groups are hoping for some real alternative energy stimulus in the bill. With layoff news dropping each day, green retrofits of homes would mean jobs for displaced workers. Interest is high in green energy educational programs like the solar installation training classes at San Jose City College and the time is ripe for government to make some permanent incentives for businesses to install alternative energy. Despite the downturn, there are still a grip of green jobs available in various disciplines.

Check out http://www.solarjobs.us/ and http://www.windjobs.org/ to see the latest jobs available in the green energy space.

Further Reading

In this episode, the Green Rapper cuts through the hype surrounding BioDiesel with Laura and Hakan, two ordinary citizens that have truly converted to a carbon neutral form of transportation. With a nominal startup fee (<$250 for storage tank and fuel pump) and zero mechanical modifications to their VW Golf TDI and Chevy Diesel Van, they use BioDiesel from KF3 BioDiesel Production to fuel their rides (at a slightly cheaper cost than regular diesel)! Find out how they safely store their alternate fuel and fill up from the comfort of their garage. To get started on your conversion, visit the National Biodiesel Board’s Website.