2.5 Million Americans Work In Clean Energy (Report)
An analysis of data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Dept. of Energy for Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) has found that over 2.5 million Americans are employed in the clean energy sector. BW Research Partnership conducted it, along with several partners, which include The Solar Foundation, Clean Energy Trust and the Advanced Energy Economy. The whole report is available if you would like to read it. (PDF)
Almost 1.9 million Americans work in energy efficiency positions related to the manufacturing and installation of efficient lighting, manufacturing efficient appliances, and making advanced materials.
Approximately 300,000 work in the solar power industry, with about 77,000 employed in the wind power industry.
Advanced vehicles is another top employer in clean energy with almost 170,000 workers. Electric vehicle occupations employ about 55,000, with hybrids following closely at 53,000. (Considering that hybrids have been on the roads longer, one might expect this ratio to be reversed, but EVs are in the lead when it comes to jobs, according to the report.)
“Clean energy is no longer a niche business – it’s a big-time job creator. Our lawmakers need to realize that – and put policies in place, right now, to help the sector grow even more,” said Dan Smolen, managing director of The Green Suits.
All this information is intriguing at least, and seems to bode well for America’s energy future. Some other countries, such as Germany and Iceland, are ahead of America when it comes to renewable energy, but it is very good news that there are so many clean energy jobs here.
“In a short amount of time, clean energy has become a huge part of our workforce and our economy. Smart policies helped jump-start this industry, and smart policies will keep these made-in-America jobs growing – and help our environment along the way,” said Bob Keefe, E2’s executive director.
A completely separate report covering the year 2014 found that about 7.7 million people worldwide were working in the renewable energy sector.
Image Credit: Nolcip, Public Domain
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