WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 24, 2012) Following President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director David Foster:

“President Obama has again set a high bar in terms of investing in American manufacturing, American energy, and skills for American workers. Pushing the limits of American innovation in pursuit of a cleaner, more competitive U.S. economy has proven to pay dividends in job creation. It’s a strategy that must, as the President said, be part of the blueprint for ‘an economy that’s built to last.'”

“The President tonight reiterated the importance of creating clean energy jobs here in the United States, investments in our nation’s transportation infrastructure, broadband Internet, and a more efficient power grid, all critical to building a stronger, more sustainable economy.

“The President’s commitment to renewable energy has allowed the U.S. to outpace China as the world’s leading investor. Progress on energy efficiency, advanced vehicle technology – including advanced batteries, manufacturing and transportation and infrastructure initiatives have put people back to work. Proposed fuel efficiency standards have the potential to create hundreds of thousands of new American jobs, and President Obama’s determination to ensure the protection of the public and the environment through common-sense regulations of greenhouse gas emissions will reduce pollution and drive economic growth.

“Tonight, President Obama laid out his agenda for creating American jobs, and now it’s up to Congress to keep this momentum going.

“Congress should follow the Senate’s lead and pass a strong transportation bill that creates more jobs sooner, fixes our crumbling infrastructure, and does it in way that is fiscally sustainable. Congress must also extend the Production Tax Credit, as well as renew the 48C Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit and Treasury’s 1603 grant program, all of which have and will continue to fuel investment in renewable energy and create tens of thousands of jobs. Finally, Congress should pass the President’s plan to renovate and modernize 35,000 American public schools with a focus on energy efficiency.

“Today we have a make or break opportunity to harness our country’s potential. Americans will not stand on the sidelines while other countries compete to win. Congress, the ball is now in your court.”