By Peter Biello
Wilmington, NC – The nonprofit Blue Green Alliance released a report in Wilmington today highlighting North Carolina's potential for more than 20,000 new manufacturing jobs.
The report says North Carolina could add 22,000 manufacturing jobs if Congress passes a bill requiring a national clean energy standard, with hundreds of those possibly coming to New Hanover County.
Wilmington City Councilmember Laura Padgett says she supports the push for better jobs.
"These jobs will be on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. And those types of jobs tend to pay better money. And that brings this opportunity to North Carolina."
Padgett says there are at least thirty companies in New Hanover County that could expand to produce materials for renewable energy sources, such as wind farms and solar panels.
Alex Mohajer with advocacy group Environment North Carolina says for the bill to pass they need Congressman Mike McIntyre's support.
"He voted for Congress's Clean Energy Bill this summer but he voted against an amendment for a renewable electricity standard. We hope that he'll look at the many benefits for North Carolina."
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