http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-909584.mp3
Macomb, IL – Rich Egger's guest is John Gruidl of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. Gruidl is co-author of the report "Which Green Jobs Look Promising for Rural Illinois?"
Gruidl believes rural areas are well-positioned for green economic development. The study found three areas of green development seem especially well suited to rural regions:
*Retrofitting old buildings to make them more efficient
*Wind power
*Advanced bio-fuels
Gruidl says people with the skills needed for retrofitting buildings already live in small towns. In addition, many of the potential green jobs for rural regions will not require a college degree, which will open up that job market to more people.
He also says the development of green communities in rural regions could help convince some young people to stay in small towns rather than leaving for urban areas.