The States Adding The Most Clean Jobs Right Now
Upwards of 12,500 clean energy and clean transportation jobs were announced in the second quarter of 2014, more than double those announced in the first three months of the year, according to a report from nonprofit business group Environmental Entrepreneurs. These jobs will help states fulfill federal carbon pollution standards introduced as part of the Clean Power Plan, aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30% below 2005 levels over the next 15 years. States can choose how to meet these standards, with some governors prioritizing the growth of clean power and energy efficiency sectors to expand economic opportunities.
Industry Breakdown
- Solar: Led job creation for five consecutive quarters, with over 5,300 jobs announced in Q2 2014 due to falling prices, increased private investment, and the expiration of tax incentives in other sectors.
- Automotive: General Motors and Tesla announced 1,900 jobs in electric car manufacturing.
- Wind: Nearly 3,000 jobs announced as projects funded by recently expired tax credits began construction, and companies hired staff for turbine production.
Geographic Distribution
Jobs were announced in 29 states, with the top five being:
- Arizona: 5 new projects, 3,060 jobs
- California: 10 new projects, over 2,500 jobs
- Michigan, Utah, and Massachusetts: Rounding out the top five
Call to Action
The report urges Congress to extend clean energy and energy efficiency tax incentives, warning that failure to do so creates market uncertainty, leading to boom-and-bust investment cycles and sporadic employment for thousands of American workers.