I usually don’t comment on stories from Grist here. However, they published an article about a significant transition towards a green economy, so I’m breaking with that tradition today. It has shown a clear identifier of where our priorities are headed and, quite frankly, what makes more business sense.
As many people have heard or read about, General Motors recently closed a Wisconsin plant that produced SUV’s and Pick up trucks.
As many have not heard about, the high speed train industry is the most underfunded part of transportation in America, way behind highway construction.
However, a high speed train network using several hubs across the country is being planned.
At the same time, factories that make gas guzzlers are closing and trucking companies are protesting gas prices.
This transportation shift is a clear example of the ensuing transition to a cleaner, greener economy. This shift will also help manufacturing is a few big ways.
1. With more high speed rail shipping, to and from Midwest cities and outward, factories will have a cheaper more efficient way to deliver goods.
2. Trucking companies won’t be relied on for longer distances. They will be able to make more local stops, stay regionalized, and create a better work environment for drivers.
3. Less trucks means less pollution and it also means less fuel cost to manufacturers looking to ship.
4. The construction of this project will be immense and the upkeep will employ workers for a long time. Manufacturing of railway material and trains would be extremely difficult to outsource.
5. The creation of new trains can take advantage of advances in sustainable technology allowing for the materials reused time and again.
Also, the basis of the Grist article is revolved around a quote by Barack Obama,
“the fight for American manufacturing is the fight for America’s future — and I believe that’s a fight this country will win.”
So do I.
Green Collar Manufacturing 