According to a report recently released by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the number of jobs in America’s emerging clean energy economy grew
nearly two and a half times faster than overall jobs between 1998 and
2007.
Pew found that jobs in the clean energy economy grew at a national rate
of 9.1 percent, while traditional jobs grew by only 3.7 percent between
1998 and 2007. There was a similar pattern at the state level, where
job growth in the clean energy economy outperformed overall job growth
in 38 states and the District of Columbia during the same period. The
report also found that this promising sector is poised to expand
significantly, driven by increasing consumer demand, venture capital
infusions, and federal and state policy reforms.
“The clean energy economy is poised for explosive growth,” said Lori
Grange, interim deputy director of the Pew Center on the States.
“These jobs are driving economic growth and environmental
sustainability at a time when America needs both. There is a potential
competitive advantage for federal and state policy leaders who act now
to spur jobs, businesses and investments in the clean energy sector.”
The report also showed that the emerging clean energy economy is creating
well-paying jobs in every state for people of all skill levels and
educational backgrounds. Included in Pew’s definition are jobs as
diverse as engineers, plumbers, administrative assistants, construction
workers, machine setters, marketing consultants, teachers and many
others, with annual incomes ranging from $21,000 to $111,000.
For more on Pew's findings, download the full Clean Economy report (PDF).