I read with interest your September 14th article "Green jobs economy has hits and misses in Maryland." While the stagnant economy that we are presently mired in may well have slowed the growth of jobs related to sustainable energy and environmentally-driven services, we do know that there is a strong future for such jobs.

Existing policies and consumer incentive programs will inevitably increase future demand for green products and services. For instance, most local governments now insist that new public buildings be built to LEED standards for energy efficiency. Additionally, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company is in the process of rolling out a program to make it easier for consumers to finance solar energy upgrades for their homes.

Knowing that these and other developments will drive the preference toward green practices — rather than doing the same old things — today's job-seekers should seek out programs to add skills related to sustainability to their knowledge base. In this way, once the economy does improve, these workers will be prepared to take advantage of these exciting trends.

Jeffrey Smith, Nottingham