Clean industry advocates who commissioned the analysis say the findings are proof that a green stimulus is necessary, along with a more immediate extension of renewable tax credits and other short-term policies. That’s been a recurring request as the pandemic grinds on.
But the regional breakdown of job losses may also raise questions about its importance in the November elections. Several of the top 10 states with the most unemployed clean energy workers are considered swing states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan and Florida. Between 15,000 and 25,000 clean energy workers remain out of a job in each of those five states.