WASHINGTON, March 6, 2013 – More than 300 clean energy and clean transportation projects started in 2012 are expected to create 110,000 jobs across the nation, according a report released today by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2).
“It’s now crystal-clear that clean energy and clean transportation are helping our economy recover,” said Judith Albert, E2 executive director.
E2 is a nationwide network of business leaders who advocate for policies that benefit both the economy and the environment.
“The projects and job announcements like we saw in 2012 can continue as long as we don't let smart energy policies get hijacked by special interests,” Albert said.
The E2 report comes on the heels of President Obama announced goals to double renewable energy and energy efficiency, the group said.
“State policies have done a lot to drive growth in the clean energy industry,” Albert said. “If lawmakers care about creating good, clean energy jobs in their neighborhoods, they should continue supporting those policies. If not, they can sit back and watch these good-paying jobs go elsewhere.”
In 2012, clean energy projects created jobs in every corner of the country, according to the group, and across both Republican and Democratic communities. California, North Carolina and Florida led the nation.
As a region, the Southeast led the country in manufacturing-related clean energy job announcements, with more than 13,700 jobs announced last year, accounting for about 80 percent of the nation's total, according to the report.
Solar, advanced vehicles and wind energy were the leading clean energy manufacturing industries in the Southeast, the report said.
To view the report, visit www.e2.org/cleanjobs.
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