Forum: Stimulus not enough to spur full green transition for Arizona economy

[Cass]

Arizona and the Valley can become sustainable centers, but it’s going to take more than federal stimulus dollars and time to transform several factors, according to experts who assembled for a panel Thursday.
Participants in the forum, convened by U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., said a lasting effort will require stimulus money as well as additional changes at the state level to attract new business and to provide better educational standards to supply a green economy with the employees it needs.
“States throughout the West are competing to be the leader in green energy, and they’re going to the (mat) to do it, and we need to go to the (mat), too,” said Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kris Mayes.
The forum was the congressman’s third in his quest for ways to promote sustainability in the region. This time, the discussion came as Arizona competes for funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, some of which is earmarked for promoting a greener economy.
Mitchell said money is available through the federal stimulus package, including $3.2 billion for energy conservation block grants, but securing those grants will be highly competitive. Mitchell called it an “unprecedented opportunity” to move the Valley’s economy toward sustainability.
“Creating jobs is important to our economy, but so is creating the right kind of jobs,” he said.
The Valley and state will need to....

[ralphmc]

Dear Cass,

Solar water heaters are part of the way, since they only reduce the use water heat energy consumption, but the real truth to harnessing Solar advantages as quoted here:

The challenge is that Arizona must move quickly, particularly on the solar front, if it hopes to have any luck in landing companies and manufacturing jobs. The window is open, but it’s closing quickly, Mayes said.

...is to install Solar PV panels that capture the sun's energy to produce electric energy. This will have a far larger usability for the "home owner" or the "business owner" then just a Solar Water heater. And they can be installed by any Electrician, and they are plentyful available.

Please correct me if I am wrong.