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Clean Jobs Rural Midwest

Growing Rural Economies

Clean energy creates jobs, supports local tax bases and infrastructure development, while providing new opportunities for farmers—driving economic benefits that are becoming ever more apparent. In rural communities facing economic challenges, investments in wind, solar, and energy efficiency are growing. This report from E2 focuses on one part of America – the rural Midwest – that exemplifies the growth in clean energy jobs in rural areas nationwide.

More than 8,000 new rural clean energy jobs were added in the 12-state Midwest region stretching from Ohio to North Dakota in 2016 alone, bringing the total number of rural Americans who work in clean energy in this region to nearly 148,000 (see Figure 1)—nearly a 6 percent increase over 2015. Of those 148,000 jobs, almost 22,000 are in renewable energy generation, with the rest in energy efficiency and sustainable transportation.

Key Findings

• Majority of Midwest states have more clean energy jobs per capita in rural areas than urban ones
• Clean energy employment represents a bright spot in rural communities that have otherwise lost population and jobs
• Clean energy jobs in the Midwest are growing 6% a year
• 99% of U.S. wind capacity is in rural areas
• Nearly 150,000 rural Midwesterners work in clean energy, including almost 22,000 in renewable energy generation
• More than 8,000 new rural clean energy jobs were added in rural Midwest areas in 2016 alone

Looking for More Info?

This report follows E2’s Clean Jobs America analysis which found the clean energy jobs account for nearly 3.3 million jobs across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Both reports expand on data from the U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER) produced by the Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) in partnership with the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), using data collected and analyzed by the BW Research Partnership. E2 is a partner on the USEER, the fourth installment of the energy survey first released by the Department of Energy in 2016. Clean energy jobs have grown every year since the first report was released in 2016.

If you are looking for additional insight into E2’s Clean Jobs Rural Midwest 2018 or our other Clean Jobs America reports, visit e2.org/reports. You can also contact E2 Communications Director Michael Timberlake ([email protected]). An FAQ is also available here to answer any questions.

Download

The complete report is available for download at this link.

Rural Economies Driven by Clean Energy – E2 Report

Clean energy employment represents a bright spot in rural communities that have otherwise lost population and jobs Growth in clean energy jobs outpacing overall hiring across Midwest (6%) Washington, DC – (May 10, 2018) –  A new analysis from the national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) finds rural clean energy job growth is outpacing […]

E2 Launches Campaign for Clean Energy, Jobs

Clean Jobs Count to hold events across the country in 2018 Major digital ad campaigns running in numerous states New state factsheets and reports will detail clean energy employment by county, congressional and legislative district Washington, DC – (May 8, 2018) – With the Trump administration enamored with coal, oil and gas, and with clean […]

Americans are demanding clean energy, better vehicles — Trump is pushing the opposite

E2 Executive Director, Bob Keefe, writes an op-ed for The Hill, advocating for clean energy despite the Trump administration’s move to roll back car efficiency and pollution standards.

The President’s Own Party Still Doesn’t Back His Attempts to Dismantle Clean Energy

E2 Advocacy Director, Grant Carlisle, is in a GreenTech Media article noting bipartisan support of clean energy despite President Trump’s budget cuts. “Together, Republicans and Democrats voted to support American innovation in energy and vehicle technologies,” said advocacy director Grant Carlisle in a statement.

The Trump Infrastructure Plan Is ‘a Big Nothing Burger’ for Clean Energy

Greentech Media quotes Grant Carlisle, E2 Advocacy director, in an article on Trump’s infrastructure plan and its lack of attention toward renewables and energy infrastructure. “Grant Carlisle, advocacy director of the national business group Environmental Entrepreneurs, characterized the shortcomings bluntly. “It is unfortunately just not a forward-looking document,” he said.”

Tell the EPA: The economic cost of repealing the Clean Power Plan is just too high

The Kansas City Star cites E2’s report, “Opportunity Lost: How Rolling Back the Clean Power Plan Hurt’s America’s Economy,” in an article amplifying the EPA’s “listening session” in Kansas City regarding its proposal to repeal the CPP. “Repealing the CPP would deny Americans the opportunity to create 560,000 jobs and add $52 billion in economic value. […]

E2 Partner Event: NREL’s Industry Growth Forum, May 3 – 4 (Denver)

E2 is pleased to be an in-kind sponsor for National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Industry Growth Forum on Thursday, May 3-4, 2018 in Denver, Colorado.  For over twenty years, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Industry Growth Forum has been the nation’s premier clean energy investment event. The Forum features presentations from 30 emerging clean energy companies, provocative […]

Trump’s Proposed Budget Slashes Funding for Clean Energy Programs

Greentech Media quotes Grant Carlisle, E2 Advocacy director, in an article on Trump’s budget cuts and its effects on clean energy programs. Grant Carlisle equates budget cuts to job loss, saying the budget puts “businesses and millions of clean energy workers at risk.” “This budget is cutting costs by refusing to invest in the future,” said […]

An American Industry Could Be Cut Adrift – And Our Jobs Are on the Line

E2 worked with these voices (Brooks, Lew, Griffin)  to amplify their message against the EPA’s actions on Pebble Mine to DC beltway audiences.

Cap-and-trade bill runs into headwinds

E&E News discusses the current status and issues facing Oregon’s effort to launch a California-style cap-and-trade system. “Those who are opposed just want to buy more time,” said Erik Wohlgemuth, chief operating officer of sustainability nonprofit Future 500, who is lobbying state lawmakers in Salem today with the group Environmental Entrepreneurs. “This has been studied, […]

Op-Ed: There’s an Affordable Path to Clean Energy for New Jersey

New Jersey Assemblymember, Andrew Zwicker, writes an op-ed instilling hope in a future in clean energy. Clean energy is already a tremendous job-driver in New Jersey. Three times more New Jerseyans work in solar- and wind-related jobs as do in fossil fuel electric generation. An analysis by ReThink Energy NJ and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), a national, […]