MGB: Question about an Obama plan

During the debates tonight I heard Barack talking about his energy plan which can generate 5 million new jobs in the country. I accept that this is possible, but the question I have is will this be new jobs or will this be jobs generated after replacing those that are no longer needed.

For example, if we as a country go to renewable energy only, those needed to build and maintain the sites will be new jobs generated, however with the knowledge that Barack is against coal and nuclear, will he attempt to close those plants, eliminating the jobs of those at the electricity plants operating with coal and nuclear power. This would also reduce the number of jobs needed in the coal mining industry. Many of these coal mining jobs are in locations which would not be gaining new jobs through a switch to alternative energy plants.

So does the plan create 5 million jobs or does it create 5 million jobs- the number of jobs eliminated in rural areas far from the cities?

There are about 250,000 coal miners more or less. Coal would not stop being used all at once, the usage would drop off over time. Most of these miners are very skilled and would be able to be re-trained to install/maintain windmills and solar-thermal plants. Some might even prefer to work outside rather than take the greater risks of working underground. While all power plants are not the same, engineers that work at them are pretty smart. They can go from working a coal-fired plant to a solar thermal array with a bit of training. Renewable energy plants require a bit more manpower to maintain over time. I would bet that most of the nuke plants stay open for 30+ years unless the cost of renewables becomes much lower. However, remember that fissile material is not free, it has a cost as well.

Look at a renewable grid being installed over a 15 year time frame along with an improved CNG distribution system. Lotsa good jobs to go around, and lots of time for people to re-train themselves for green collar trades.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Mine_Workers

Trust me Obama does not have a clue. The 5 million number has been banging around the Democrat (all of them) talking points for some time. There is no study and it just sounds cool to say 5 million green jobs. As we are finding with the debates it does not make any difference what is said or true.

Richard X2

6863m Wrote:

"It's not based on any particular data point," a Treasury spokeswoman told Forbes.com on Tuesday. "We just wanted to choose a really large number."

McCain used a similar number. This is tipical political BS.

Dave

Eric, don't thow in a comment that has nothing to do with the subject people may believe you actually found that statement and it is about the green jobs.

I had an idea that this number was not based on any major evidence, but was wondering if anyone had any information otherwise. Just one of those things that made me wonder where they were coming from.

Thanks for the (mostly) insightful answers which (primarily) did not have to attack one party or the other.