By Timothy B. Hurst •
September 1, 2008
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For decades, the perceived incompatibility of labor and environmental interests helped form a deep chasm within the Democratic Party. But a new phenomenon has emerged, moving these two natural allies towards one another. Focusing on the possibility of green collar jobs and a new energy economy, pro-labor and pro-environment coalitions are building a coherent vision that joins the goals of environmental protection and job growth.
My colleague Jennifer Lance recently wrote that both of the major parties would be trying to “out-green” each other for this summer’s national conventions. Republicans and Democrats alike have made efforts to green (or appear to green) what is, for all intents and purposes, a very non-green affair. But Democrats want this August’s convention in Denver to serve as a blueprint for not only how to make a convention greener, but how to make the host city greener long after the convention has ended.
“We are hoping that everything we are doing for greening (the convention) has some legacy value,” said Parry Burnap, “greening” director for the host committee. The committee has launched plans for local river clean-ups, tree-planting and tree care events, and is sourcing its food from local and organic sources. Other programs aimed at leaving a legacy include (after the jump)…
