"The clean energy workforce has skyrocketed, launching us into the new clean energy economy while supporting American workers," said Ellen Shenette, manager of EDF Climate Corps, a summer fellowship program that accelerates clean energy initiatives and spearheaded the new report. "The growth in clean energy sectors can be credited to reductions in costs, increased demand for clean energy and efficiency technologies, as well as policies and investments."
The report, coauthored by Meister Consultants Group, a Cadmus Company (MCG), also suggests a strong future for renewable energy and sustainability employment. However, 2017 marked a year of political uncertainty at the federal level, centered on the future of renewable energy tax incentives and a potential tariff on imported solar modules. This uncertainty has so far contributed to a 22 percent decline in cumulative 2017 installations as compared to the previous year.
Other highlights from the report include:
- The sustainability economy continues to be a large and growing source of jobs for over 4 million workers in the U.S., with wind and solar energy jobs outpacing those in the coal industry.
- Solar and wind installations comprised 65 percent of installed electric capacity in 2016 and for the third year in a row exceeded the installed capacity of all other electricity sources combined.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that solar PV installers and wind turbine service technicians will be the two fastest growing jobs in America from 2016 to 2026, roughly doubling during that period.
The report also highlights the stories of three former EDF Climate Corps fellows currently working in this industry, including Ben Metcalf, a former Operations Officer for the U.S. Navy who shifted his career to focus on utility-scale solar development and now works at Galehead Development.
"Every day, I witness the many jobs – from blue to white collar positions – that support the demand for clean energy," said Metcalf. "I'm confident that the policies over the next 12 months will not slow the market's long-term positive outlook."
The report also provides recommendations for sustaining clean energy job growth, such as increasing investments in clean energy research, supporting smart climate policy and ensuring that companies set big and public greenhouse gas emissions reductions goals.
"Businesses have become key catalysts in helping drive the clean energy economy by setting goals and investing in energy efficiency technologies," added Shenette. "Companies are recognizing that the market is demanding a low-carbon economy, and they're seeing the benefits to their bottom lines. What business wants to bet against the market?"
The report can be found here. Visual assets are available and Ellen Shenette is available for interviews.
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is one of the world's largest environmental nonprofit organizations, with more than two million members and a staff of over 500 scientists, economists, policy experts, and other professionals around the world. EDF finds practical and lasting solutions to the world's most serious environmental problems. Working with leading businesses, scientists and academics, EDF is taking a leading role in minimizing the environmental, economic and human health risks associated with rising greenhouse gas emissions. EDF Climate Corps is an EDF initiative that empowers business professionals to advance climate solutions.
Contact: Natalie McKeon, [email protected], 212-616-1338; Karley Kranich, [email protected], 202-572-3368
SOURCE Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
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