Labor organizations, environmental advocates and academic researchers banded together Tuesday to present an idea that could boost the economy and save the environment.

A $100 billion down payment on a better energy future.

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts studied the impact that a hefty investment in green energy programs would have on the nation's economy in "Green Recovery: A Guide to Create Good Jobs and Start Building a Low-Carbon Economy."

The report reviewed six infrastructure strategies that would cut energy use while creating jobs: retrofitting buildings for increased energy efficiency, expanding mass transit and freight rail, constructing smart energy grids and expanding production of wind, solar and next-generation biofuels.

The projected results: 2 million new jobs in two years and a 1.3 point drop in the national unemployment rate.

John Podesta, president of the Center for American Progress, compared the potential green energy investment to the recent government stimulus package and plans to expand traditional forms of energy production.

"Spending $100 billion in this fashion ... would create four times more jobs than spending the same amount on the oil industry and 300,000 more jobs than spending toward household consumption," Mr. Podesta said.

Bob Pollin of UMASS said the funding could be spread among all 50 states.

"This is not just a program for states that have a lot of wind rushing through them or enjoy a lot of sun throughout the year," he said. "Every community has buildings that could be retrofitted."

Missouri would gain an estimated 43,000 jobs from a $1.8 billion share of the overall investment.

Alternative energy has already made a significant impact in Northwest Missouri. Wind farms have been constructed near King City, Conception and Rock Port and another is under way near Tarkio. St. Joseph hosts one ethanol plant and two biodiesel plants with another under construction, while a second ethanol plant operates in Craig.

Business reporter Clinton Thomas can be reached

at clintonthomas@npgco.com.