Clean-tech and "green collar" jobs, or occupations that promote the wellness of the environment through the use of energy efficient and "clean" technology, are a topic growing in popularity and awareness in not only the U.S., but the global world. This global concern is one that greatly affects those involved in the energy industry, and inherently Houston.

Houston-based companies like Exxon Mobil, Shell, and Kinder Morgan are all taking these concerns seriously as they compete to be the most innovative and efficient in providing what today's concerned consumers expect: clean, green technology & renewable energy.

The Clean Edge, a green-industry research firm composed a list of the best metropolitan areas for clean-tech job activity, and Texas made the list twice, with the Houston/Galveston/Brazoria area at number 15.

Right now, the U.S. economy is creating approximately 1.3 million new "green collar" jobs a year (Challenger Gray & Christmas http://www.challengergray.com/), and by 2030, the number of U.S. jobs related to energy efficiency and conservation will hit 40 million (American Solar Energy Society http://www.ases.org). This progress will inherently create more opportunities for Houstonians to get involved through their work and contribute to the greater good.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/26/news/economy/green.jobs.fortune/index.htm