How has the Green Transportation Sector Faired in the Recession?

Does the green transportation sector exist?  Are there really jobs within it?  On one side of the debate, those who are environmentalists, business-people, and others argue how the green sector does exist and has created jobs especially in this poor economy.  In other words, the recession has not adversely impacted this sector like has others.  On the other side of the argument, there are those that argue whether the green transportation sector exists at all.

Despite critics claims that the green transportation sector is a myth, in reality the green transportation does exist, and according to Oregon's jobs report study, "employment in the green transportation sector outperformed the economy as a whole during the five-year period from the fourth quarter of 2004 to the fourth quarter of 2009."  As seen with Oregon's innovative green transportation sector which includes things like public transit, hard-hit by the current recession in terms of ridership, etc, the green transportation sector exists and does indeed offer hope and opportunity for an economic recovery.

Furthermore when assessing how well the green transportation sector is doing, it is also important to look at things like how much the wages are in this sector compared to similar ones.  According to Oregon's green transportation study, in certain quarters, the wages have actually been reported to be higher in this sector than in others.  Thus, the green transportation sector in Oregon and elsewhere has two benefits:  Outperforming this long recession and in higher average wages than workers in similar sectors earn.  As a result, the green transportation sector is one characterized by both high wages and economic viability especially during tough times like this prolonged deep recession that both the U.S. and world are experiencing.

In assessing why the green transportation sector in Oregon is doing so well, the Oregon Employment Department came to the conclusion that the green transportation sector "is relatively steady compared with other sectors, and was likely not as affected by the recent recessionary cycle as other industries."  Thus, it appears the green transportation sector is truly part of the new revolution in the U.S.-transitioning away from a carbon based fossil fuel economy to one that promotes a cleaner fuel efficient economy for both current and future generations to enjoy.

Oregon, therefore, is a leader in terms of recognizing how green is truly the new gold.  Green transportation, therefore, is not only good for the environment, but it is also good especially in down times.  Hopefully, other states follow suit and embrace such innovative thinking.

Photo Credit:  Meurasault2004