Referring to “State’s Recommendations to Clean Up Closed Prisons, Including Gowanda,” December 23, nothing could be more revitalizing for affected communities than investing in renewable energy and its many related industries, from battery storage development to manufacturing, including im transport sector. The new Climate Action Council’s scoping plan will mean a complete transformation of the state’s economy. Opportunities abound.
Gowanda Prison has been a major employer, but the penitentiary sector is shrinking. The clean energy employment, on the other hand, is booming, bringing training programs to unionized jobs with career growth potential. According to NYSERDA, jobs in the green economy grew 4.7% last year, outpacing nearly all other tech sectors in the post-pandemic recovery. Electric transport jobs have increased by 26% from 2020 to 2021.
When used for renewable energy and electric mobility, funds from capital grants to affected communities are complemented by funds from the Anti-Inflation Act and government investments that emphasize environmental justice. A solar system on the prison grounds, for example, would also help Gowanda and his schools with a non-profit arrangement.
The state must involve the community in its future. Green economy investments provide a rich and diverse economy far better than a large employer.
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