The Task Force website is temporarily on hold.  Future information will soon be available through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). 

The Green Jobs Task Force, co-chaired by Senator Ellen Anderson and Representative Jeremy Kalin, was established by the State Legislature in 2008 to advise the governor and legislature regarding activities to advance the state’s economy.

The Task Force has prepared an Action Plan for the 2009 legislative session.

The Green Jobs Task Force has formed subcommittees to examine three key topics:

1. Workforce education and training for green jobs (targeting both an urban and rural setting, the workforce training sub-committee is examining issues of green job goals, training and access throughout Minnesota) .

2. Attracting green jobs (using a format of “lessons learned” the subcommittee is hearing from businesses who have been asked to share what programs/initiatives/incentives in Minnesota are helpful in establishing businesses as well as identifying significant barriers to promoting new green businesses).

3. Retaining and expanding green jobs (this sub-committee is focusing on retaining jobs in wind, ethanol, biodiesel, mining, forestry and the window manufacturing industry sectors by examining the challenges these industries face as well as the steps individual businesses have taken to remain competitive with a focus on conservation, energy efficiency, sustainable practices and use of renewable energy). 

Each subcommittee will receive input from interested stakeholders in early November and developing recommendations for the Action Plan for consideration by the full Task Force in December.