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Natural Awakenings Greater Boston - Rhode Island

Massachusetts Ranked #7 for Total Employment in Renewables, Efficiency and EV Industry

Nearly 3.3 million Americans now work in clean energy in every state in the country, according to a new analysis of energy jobs data by the national nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs). Across the country, nearly every state saw an increase in clean energy jobs in 2018, combining to add about 110,000 net new jobs for a growth rate of 3.6 percent.

The top 10 states are: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia. Two sectors in particular—clean energy storage and clean vehicles—saw job totals increase sharply from last year (14 and 15 percent, respectively), driven by growing consumer EV adoption, state expansions of charging infrastructure, falling battery prices and increased solar-storage installations.

“The 3.3 million Americans who now work in clean energy industries—and all of us—are counting on Congress to take action that helps this giant sector continue to expand our economy. America’s ability to lead the world in innovation and compete globally in this booming market depends on it,” says Bob Keefe, E2 executive director.

Other key findings in the report show more Americans work in energy efficiency (2.3 million) than there are waiters and waitresses in America’s bars and restaurants (2.25 million). Solar alone employs more than twice the number of coal workers, and there are now more Americans working in clean energy than there are school teachers.

More information about E2’s clean energy jobs research can be found at E2.org/reports.