Gaining concensus on 'green jobs'

by ANDRE WILLIAMS January 13, 2010 ------------------------- After a hearty lunch that included more spirited discussions on energy policy implementation, BLACK ENTERPRISE Editorial Director

Sonia Alleyne, and moderator of the second panel at the Black Enterprise “CONVERSATION ON ENERGY” forum, got straight to the point when she asked panelists to describe the green jobs

being created in their companies. Richard E. Williams, president of SHELL WINDENERGY INC. joked about the popularity of the green jobs phenomenon, “I worked for Shell for 30 years, 28 were

with Shell pipeline and no one wanted to speak to me as long as I was with the pipeline sector. You start a wind company and everyone wants to speak to you,” he said. He went on to explain

how the renewable energy workforce is not only popular conversation, but it is also popular for future job opportunities. When asked for the challenges faced with trying to pursue green

jobs or new energy opportunities, Lloyd Yates, president and CEO of PROGRESS ENERGY CAROLINAS said, “African Americans are not taking advantage of the certifications and retraining programs

available. And we don’t see enough minority companies responding to our requests for services,” he added. Christopher C. Womack, , executive vice president and president, external affairs

with GEORGIA POWER agreed, saying “We have to become creative. … We may have to break-down certain jobs and divide the work, or do something that allows us the capacity to fulfill the

job.” Just as with the MORNING’S OPENING SESSION that addressed how to go from policy to engagement in the new energy economy, each of the panelists agreed that solutions will be

multifaceted and long-standing. “These solutions are not immediate,” said Womack. “In this microwave society, everyone is looking for that quick fix, or the silver bullet, but it doesn’t

exist.” _VISIT _BLACKENTERPRISE.COM/ENERGY-FORUM _TO READ THIS COMPLETE_ BLOG _POST, AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BLACK ENTERPRISE + SHELL ENERGY CONFERENCE._ ANDRé WILLIAMS IS THE FOUNDER

AND PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT OF ENERGY RELATIONS.