WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 3, 2012) Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics unveiled the January unemployment statistics, showing the economy gained 243,000 jobs and the unemployment rate decreased to 8.3 percent. In addition, the report showed a gain of 50,000 jobs in manufacturing, with 8,000 of them in motor vehicles and parts. The following is a statement from BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director David Foster:

“Today’s jobs report is good news for the American economy, driven by the addition of 50,000 manufacturing jobs, with 8,000 of them in motor vehicles and parts. This report demonstrates that cleaner cars are helping to drive our economic recovery and put Americans back to work.

“We can build on this job growth by implementing the Obama administration’s proposed fuel efficiency standards for light-, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles. Cleaner car standards could add up to 150,000 manufacturing jobs to our economy through 2020.

“But for the 12.8 million of our fellow Americans that are still unemployed, there is still a lot of work to do. During the State of the Union, President Obama outlined a strategy for an economy ‘built to last.’ We agree, and more action is needed now.

“Long-term reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Act, like proposed in the Senate, as well as extension of the Production Tax Credit; renewal of the 48C Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit, and Treasury’s 1603 grant program; are critical to advancing emerging and growing industries that will create jobs for years to come.

“It’s time to get moving on these critical policies, and start getting people back to work in good jobs across America.”