Green Stimulus

Not that kind of stimulus, but it did get your attention. I have an idea on how the government can provide a stimulus for states, that provides jobs in the short term, is good for the environment, and pays for itself in the long run. Sound impossible? It is very simple, invest stimulus money in doing energy efficiency retrofits to government buildings. The construction industry that has been most hit by the housing bust would get a much needed shot in the arm, and help put people back to work. It would also help kick start interest in these green collar jobs we hear about so much. By making government buildings more energy efficient it would save on energy cost which would lower the cost to tax payers to operate these buildings. In the long term these saving add up and pay for the upfront cost of the retrofit. Using less power means less emissions which helps the environment. Everyone wins. So instead of sending everyone a check that they will just go and spend at MegaLoMart on more crap they don't need, invest it in real solutions to long term problem, that can also give us short term benefits.