America's clean energy jobs grow at twice national rate

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🗞️ Driving the news: Clean energy jobs in the United States are expanding at more than twice the rate of the overall economy, with 142,000 new jobs added in 2023 alone
• Federal climate policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), have spurred significant investments in clean energy technologies, resulting in job creation and economic growth

🔭 The context: Since the passage of the IRA in August 2022, nearly $500 billion has been invested in the clean energy sector, generating substantial private investment and creating more than 334,000 jobs
• These jobs are concentrated in high-growth areas like wind and solar energy, battery manufacturing, and energy-efficient construction, often in communities with below-average wages

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The rapid growth of clean energy jobs supports the transition away from fossil fuels, contributing to lower carbon emissions and mitigating climate change
• These jobs provide economic opportunities with higher wages and increased union participation, benefiting workers and helping drive a more sustainable economy

⏭️ What's next: As federal policies continue to promote clean energy, job growth in sectors like electric vehicle manufacturing and energy-efficient building retrofits is expected to accelerate
• The U.S. aims to maintain its leadership in the global clean energy market, projected to be worth $1.8 trillion in 2023

💬 One quote: “The data clearly show that clean energy means jobs – good jobs, union jobs, and jobs retained – in communities across the country as we race to dominate the global clean energy economy,” said U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm

📈 One stat: Clean energy jobs grew by 4.2% in 2023, more than double the national job growth rate, adding 142,000 new positions

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