Energy Future Coalition

Energy to Repower America's Economic Engine

Investments in our energy future are investments in our economic future. Study after study has shown that developing the renewable energy and energy efficiency resources we need will create new jobs and revitalize local economies across the country.  Recent reports on green jobs either reveal the impact green jobs are already having on our economy or describe the employment and economic opportunity of a new approach to energy and the steps needed to take to take full advantage.

These studies make clear that the impact of green jobs extends beyond manufacturers of solar panels and wind turbines, research scientists or energy auditors to include accountants, builders, managers, and many more.  Per unit of energy, renewables create more jobs than conventional fossil fuel industries.

Simply creating job opportunities does not mean that there are people available to do the work - we will need to recruit, train and retain the modern energy efficiency workforce.  Several of the studies below include strategies to prepare our workforce with the basic skills and technical knowledge to take advantage of this huge new opportunity.  Already, groups like the AFL-CIO and PG&E Corp. are working to develop a workforce that has the skills to fill these new jobs. 

Here is a sample of recent reports that describe the employment and economic opportunities of the new energy economy and the steps needed to take to take full advantage.

Energy Efficiency, Innovation, and Job Creation in California, Center for Energy, Resources, and Economic Stability, October 2008:  The report finds that over the 35-year span of California's energy efficiency efforts, state policies created 1.5 million additional fulltime jobs with a total payroll of over $45 billion. The report forecasts that if California improves energy efficiency by just 1 percent per year, proposed state climate policies will increase the gross state product by approximately $76 billion, increase real household incomes by up to $48 billion and create as many as 403,000 new jobs. 

Job Opportunities for the Green Economy, Political Economy Research Institute, June 2008:  A state-by-state analysis of the jobs created by investments in building retrofitting, mass transit, energy efficient vehicles, wind and solar power, and cellulosic biomass fuels.

U.S. Metro Economies:  Current and Potential Green Jobs in the U.S. Economy, Global Insight for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, October 2008:  The report estimates there are currently 750,000 green jobs in the U.S. economy, with 85% of them in metropolitan areas.  Over the next 30 years, Global Insight projects potential growth of 4.2 million new green jobs assuming a significant increase in renewable energy generation, investments in energy efficiency in the residential and commercial sectors, and increased production of renewable transportation fuels.

Positive Returns: State Efficiency Analyses Can Inform U.S. Energy Policy Assessments, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, June 2008:  A review of 48 efficiency analyses reveals that state programs are improving energy efficiency by 23 percent at a 2:1 benefit to cost ratio.  Achieving a 20 to 30 percent energy efficiency gain will create up to 1.5 million jobs by 2030.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency:  Economic Drivers of the 21^st Century, American Solar Energy Society, 2007:  Reviews the economic and employment impact of the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors in 2006 nationwide and in Ohio.  The report concludes that both sectors combined to create nearly 8.5 million direct and indirect jobs and $975 billion in revenue in 2006.

Green Jobs: Towards Decent Work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World, United Nations Environment Programme, September 2008:  The report analyzes the green jobs created by six economic sectors that are particularly important in the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emission including renewable energy supply, building and construction, transportation, basic industry, agriculture, and forestry.  The study forecasts that the renewable energy sector alone will grow from 2.3 million jobs in 2006 to over 20 million by 2030.

Green Recovery, Center for American Progress, September 2008:  This report outlines a plan for a 2-year, $100 billion investment in six energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies that would result in approximately 2 million new jobs.  The strategies include retrofitting buildings, expanding mass transit and freight rail, constructing a smart electrical grid, and developing key renewable energies such as wind, solar, and next-generation biofuels.  

The New Apollo Program: Clean Energy, Good Jobs - An Economic Strategy for American Prosperity, The Apollo Alliance, October 2008:  A comprehensive 10 year investment strategy to invest $500 billion in green infrastructure and create 5 million U.S. jobs.