communities,” Bass said. “With the green tech boom, it’s important that all communities are at the front line at every single level. This includes providing a quality education so our children have the skills needed in this new economy, and that entrepreneurs have access to contracts and investment. The Latino Legislative Caucus convening this green jobs summit is an important step in this direction.”

“California has rich natural resources that uniquely position us to develop a broad green energy portfolio,” Cedillo said. “We also have a highly diverse population, globally competitive businesses and educational institutions. By focusing our efforts we can improve environmental outcomes, build better communities and better jobs. We thank Speaker Bass for her leadership in ensuring all communities benefit from the potential of the green economy.”

State industry and workforce development leaders took part in three panel discussions at the summit. The first panel focused on issues of environmental justice, discussing not only where green jobs are needed most, but where climate change has begun to affect the environment and economy.

The second panel discussed the partnership between the public and private sectors in green job creation, including the recent approval by the California Public Utilities Commission of a $3.13 billion investment into energy efficiency programs. Panelist Dian Grueneich, Commissioner of the CPUC, expects the investment to create 15,000 – 18,000 new jobs as well as provide $122 million in green job training funds, $260 million for local government programs and an additional $750 million for low-income home retrofits and appliances.