Two new studies from a coalition of non-profits say that cities and states may be able to stop the economic bleeding by targeting green collar jobs. The groups point to evidence that industries and businesses centered around sustainable technology and services defy scary national trends in housing foreclosures, income stagnation and unemployment. Further, these jobs are available across all sectors of the economy, spanning transportation, construction, and energy. The studies - one focused on metropolitan areas, the other on states - are written to be guides on how to build economic capacity around these kinds of economic opportunities.

"The movement to make American cities more sustainable, efficient and livable is perhaps the greatest new engine for urban economic growth, innovation, and job creation in decades," said Phil Angelides, Chairman of the Apollo Alliance Board of Directors.

The coalition is made up of the economic and environmental groups The Apollo Alliance, The Center for American Progress, Green for All, and the folksy-named COWS (Center on Wisconsin Strategy).

Interestingly, the authors of the studies don't count just any old McJob. A green collar job, they say, must provide enough wages and benefits to support a family and, of course, be kind to the Earth.

The city guide, "Green Collar Jobs in America's Cities," makes the case that the eco-job market can improve the lives of those in poverty-stricken areas. Essentially, the combination of a shortage of workers in these fields and the fact that most of the available positions are for skilled labor makes for an excellent opportunity to rebuild middle-class employment.

"We can develop green-collar job initiatives that respond to the realities of local economies and communities while offering hope and opportunity to those who most need it," said Van Jones, founder and president of Green For All.

The guide detailing state action, "Greener Pathways," informs policymakers on how to set up the infrastructure to draw green jobs as well as how to tap generous federal funds for green projects. The study focuses on opportunities in the energy sector, specifically biofuels, wind, and energy efficiency.

While the phenomenal growth of the green technology market is a hopeful sign in an otherwise tanking economy, it's still unclear whether it can truly replace the industry and manufacturing jobs that created America's first middle class boom.