Thursday, October 01, 2009 at 12:57:35 PM - by Nate Lew

Solar energy is one of several environmentally friendly industries that could benefit under new legislation offered by two U.S. senators.

The bill focuses on developing more traditional energy industries such as coal and nuclear with an eye on making them cleaner, and retraining workers in the process to help promote the development of more green jobs and industries that will make the country less dependent on imported oil.

"We know clean energy is the ticket to strong, stable economic growth - it's right here in front of us, in the ingenuity of our workers and the vision of our entrepreneurs. We must seize this opportunity, or others will move ahead," said Senator Barbara Boxer, who introduced the bill with Senator John Kerry.

The bill touches on a variety of other environmental issues, such as wildlife protection and land conservation, as well as mass transit upgrades and other technological improvements.

Another part of the bill would provide funding and other incentives to develop next-generation solar energy and renewable power technologies to help the U.S. re-emerge as a global leader in these areas.