House lawmakers argue over definition of ‘green job’

In written testimony before the committee Thursday, BLS Commissioner Keith Hall defined green jobs this way:

Jobs in business establishments that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources. BLS refers to these as green goods and services jobs.

Jobs in which the work performed makes the production processes of business establishments more environmentally friendly or use fewer natural resources. BLS refers to these as green technologies and practices jobs.

Hall said BLS developed the definition after consulting with various federal agencies. The definition was finalized in September of 2010.

But Republicans on the panel countered that the definition is too broad.

Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said green jobs are “poorly defined,” arguing the definition counts jobs that are not traditionally seen as green, like lobbyists.