The state of Maryland is hitting two birds with one stone in its efforts to cut aggressive greenhouse gas emissions that cause environmental problems. The move by the state is seen to have two results: jobs for the locals and contributions to fight climate change.
After the Paris climate change agreement has been signed, Maryland is doing its part by pursuing aggressive emissions cuts by transitioning from the use of fossil fuels to a greener, Earth-friendly alternative.
One of the results of such shift is job opportunities for the local residents.
VOA News reports that, for instance, "[a]t the Marlin Steel plant in Baltimore, metal parts are made for pharmaceutical companies, carmakers, and others." Plant owner Drew Greenblatt said he is proud of his company. "We'll have a Chinese shipping clerk in Shanghai opening up a box that says, 'Made in America,' Greenblatt said.
Greenblatt, however, doesn't acknowledge that Maryland has already become a part the multistate program that charges power plants for their CO2 emissions. According to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, revenues from sales will be used for programs that would benefit both the state and its residents.
"These types of policies are neither job creators or destroyers. They're job shifters," Brian Murray, head of economic analysis at the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, said.
One of these benefits includes "green job" training programs in renewable energy installation and home efficiency. More or less, training and certification programs related to renewable energy are said to cost $15,000 through a community college program.
"The nine states in RGGI have seen their economies grow faster than those in the rest of the country, even as their greenhouse gas emissions have fallen more than in other states, the VOA news report states.
So far, the RGGI funds have shelled about $2 billion into the nine states' economies.
"Our economic experts have not seen a significant negative impact on the economy," Maryland environment secretary Ben Grumbles. "[There have been] positive impacts, with more jobs and economic development to come."
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