Earlier this week, the Department of Labor distributed $5.5 million in stimulus grants for green job training, including $1.25 million for the California Employment Development Department.

The funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will support job-training and labor-market information programs to help workers find jobs in green industries and related occupations, said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The Recovery Act has $500 million planned for green-jobs training grants.

As Senator Boxer continues to work towards passage of legislation to address the threat of climate change, creating more green collar workers can be a vital step to future economic success. This week marks another step along that path.