Commentary: Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a new reporttoday on the clean energy economy and its increasingly important role in the American economy. The clean energy economy encompasses energy generation through renewable sources and activities related to improving energy efficiency, building alternative fuel vehicles and constructing and operating the smart grid.
The report, “Clean Energy, It’s Where the Jobs Are” highlights that 3.3 million Americans worked in the clean energy economy in 2016. It shows that renewable energy specifically now employs more than one in three Americans who work in electric generation and fuel production employment. Projections indicate that this is just the beginning and the transition to clean energy will create millions of additional jobs.
The report describes that international competition over renewable jobs is growing. Countries around the world, like China, have recognized this opportunity and are investing billions of dollars into advancing clean energy in the hopes they will become the global leaders in this industry. Congress must ensure that the United States is keeping pace and remains a global leader.
“I have long advocated for growing the clean energy economy in New Mexico and across the nation to create millions of good-paying jobs—especially in rural communities,” said Senator Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee. “Congress has an opportunity to act now and make sure that the United States is a leader in this emerging market—and see that American companies and workers are the ones producing and exporting the technology and products to meet this demand. Though President Trump and Congressional Republicans have sought to cut programs and reverse policies that support this sector, we must prioritize advancing clean energy to create jobs, spur economic growth, and meet the needs of the future of our economy.”
This report is the first in a series on the importance of expanding and prioritizing the clean energy economy.
Click hereto read the full report.