18 March, 2010UAW calls for cleaner cars and strong climate policy to drive economic recovery and create 150,000 jobs in the U.S.
USA: A report released on March 16, finds that new vehicle technology and the right policy choices, including incentives for higher fuel efficiency vehicles, could create up to 150,000 jobs in the U.S.
In "Driving Growth: How Clean Cars and Climate Policy Can Create Jobs", the Natural Resources Defense Council, the UAW and the Center for American Progress, demonstrate that a new fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles would allow drivers to enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions and put auto workers and many others back to work.
"Congress has the power to put thousands of Americans in some of the hardest-hit industries back to work and help protect the environment at the same time," stated a press release from the three organisations.
"This study shows that increasing automotive fuel efficiency will create jobs," said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. "By continuing the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program the federal government can make it much more likely that these jobs will be located in the United States. The ATVMIP is good for the environment and good for American workers."
The analysis emphasizes that improving vehicle performance would drive demand for a variety of manufactured components from engines to control valves, creating jobs in the supply chain as well as on the assembly line. In addition, the report demonstrates that creating the right business incentives is key to determining where these jobs will be located.
You can read the full report on the UAW website here.