Obama Unveils $2B for Solar Projects

Aims to create thousands of jobs at a time we need it, he says
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 3, 2010 8:50 AM CDT
Obama Unveils $2B for Solar Projects
President Obama walks over to wish Air Force members and their families a Happy Fourth, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Friday, July 2, 2010, before boarding Marine One for a trip to Camp David, Md.   (Charles Dharapak)

The government is handing out nearly $2 billion for new solar plants that President Obama says will create thousands of jobs and increase renewable energy sources. Obama announced the initiative in his weekly address today, saying the money is part of his plan to bring new industries to the US. "We're going to keep competing aggressively to make sure the jobs and industries of the future are taking root right here in America," Obama said.

The two companies that will receive the money from the president's $862 billion economic stimulus are Abengoa Solar, which will build one of the world's largest solar plants in Arizona, creating 1,600 construction jobs; and Abound Solar Manufacturing, which is building plants in Colorado and Indiana. Obama said that while it may take years to bring back all the jobs lost during the recession, the economy is moving in a positive direction. He placed some blame for the slow recovery on Republicans, saying they're "playing the same old Washington games and using their power to hold this relief hostage." (More President Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X