US to train veterans to install solar panels

[unhappycamper]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA_SOLAR_PANELS?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=BUSINESS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

US to train veterans to install solar panels
By JOSH LEDERMAN
Associated Press
Sep 18, 6:02 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. will train at least 50,000 veterans to become solar panel installers in the next six years, the White House said Thursday.

The jobs training program is among a host of initiatives the White House says will cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 300 million tons through 2030, plus save billions of dollars on energy bills for homeowners and businesses. It will launch this fall at one or more military bases.

The Agriculture Department will also spend nearly $70 million to fund 540 solar and renewable energy projects, focused on rural and farming areas. And the Energy Department will propose stricter efficiency standards for commercial air conditioners, a move the department said could cut emissions more than any other efficiency standard it has issued to date.

The proposals are modest compared with what Obama has asked Congress to do through legislation to promote clean energy, invest in infrastructure projects and force reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. But with lawmakers unwilling to consider any major climate legislation, Obama has sought to maximize what presidential authority he does hold.

[Baitball Blogger]

1. Who saw that coming?

I confess I never did. What an excellent idea.

[LittleGirl]

4. All of these bases

need to stop making old technology like the A10 aircraft and build wind turbines and solar panels. Out here in the SW, we have an abundance of sun and wind and it goes to waste.

[FailureToCommunicate]

2. A worthy step, but

The solar install industry isn't really lacking for workers...what it needs is a push on the creative financing side of things. Get banks and investment firms on board, and then watch the roofs get covered.

And this inititive is worth noting: solar on military homes and bases...

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/09/solarcity-to-install-solar-on-military-homes-doubling-residential-solar.html

[jwirr]

6. My guess is that this is money that President Obama can spend without going back to our obstructive

congress for permission. He is doing what he can.

[Ilsa]

3. Where will they be installed? Afghanistan? Iraq?

I'll be shocked if this is an infrastructure program for the US.

[raouldukelives]

5. K&R nt