Rally in Gary will tout benefits of a clean energy economy

Business executives and labor and environmental officials will be in Gary on Tuesday afternoon to host a rally promoting the benefits of a clean energy economy.

The Made in America Jobs Tour will set up at 4 p.m. at the United Steelworkers District 7 offices, 1301 Texas St.

Scheduled speakers include Lisa Jackson, administrators of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson, SunRise Solar Inc. President Bill Keith, Gary Teachers Union President Foster Stephens, and Steve Francis, co-chair of the Indiana Blue Green Alliance.

The Blue Green Alliance and the Alliance for Climate Protection's Repower America campaign organized the tour. It began Aug. 20 in Cleveland and will encompass 50 events in 22 states.

The Center for American Progress said transitioning to a clean energy economy can create more than 38,000 jobs in Indiana and reduce carbon pollution and America's dependence on oil from foreign countries, a Blue Green Alliance news release said.