UCLA study disproves Van Jones' green jobs fantasy

Former green jobs czar and self-proclaimed communist Van Jones has been telling anyone who will listen that the economy must be rebuilt on green jobs. Not so much, says a new study by UCLA.

Much-hyped green jobs are unlikely to give a big lift to California's employment numbers, which are expected to remain weak throughout the year as the state muddles through a modest recovery, according to an economic forecast released Wednesday.

The quarterly Anderson Forecast from the University of California, Los Angeles said the state's abundance of universities and research labs, along with its dominance as a magnet for tech-focused venture capital, have positioned it to lead the country in environmentally minded industries.

But there's no sign that demand for solar-panel installers, wind-farm workers and other green positions will be strong enough to drive California's unemployment rate below the national average, the forecast said.

"As we look at the hype around 'green is going to drive the economy,' the fact is, not really," Jerry Nickelsburg, author of the forecast, said in an interview.

The study goes on to say that investment rather than environmentalism will get California's economy chugging again. California is one of the most progressive states in America and has spent millions on green jobs and alternative energy sources. Van Jones has yet to comment on the study.