Energy Future Coalition (EFC)

Energy efficiency, solar rooftops, community wind farms, combined heat and power plants that efficiently use energy resources—these renewable and efficient technologies are already appearing in U.S. communities and cities. Not only do they represent clean energy sources, but also jobs. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are inherently domestic resources, and their labor-intensive deployment will require workers for the design phase through construction and operation.

Investing in clean technology will create millions of new jobs in the U.S. Rebuilding America, the Coalition's plan to upgrade the energy efficiency of 50 million buildings by 2020, would create 625,000 full-time jobs. The 25x’25 renewable energy initiative is expected to create 5 million new jobs by 2025, and stimulate over $700 billion in economic activity. A recent report found that investing in our electric infrastructure would create up to 200,000 full-time jobs over the next 20 years. These infrastructure investments would facilitate the construction of new renewable energy generation, resulting in an additional 250,000 full-time jobs.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency represent jobs that can’t be outsourced. Growing these industries can help both rural America and areas that have lost manufacturing jobs. Wind turbine manufacturing companies have opened factories in Pennsylvania, and tax incentives and public policies in Washington, Colorado, and other states have created opportunities for solar panel manufacturers to open plants in the U.S. Farmers and rural entrepreneurs have benefited from demand for biofuels, as have the communities surrounding them. Efficient green office buildings, schools and homes are being built around the country and creating new opportunities for certifiers, construction workers, and building managers.

The renewable energy and efficiency sectors can supply a wealth of safe and stable jobs for American workers. With as many as 40 million new jobs possible by 2030, a clean energy future is worth investing in.