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Biden's green energy policies are expected to save lives and grow jobs, reports show
New reports suggest that President Biden's climate policies will save 200,000 lives by reducing pollution and have already added nearly 150,000 clean energy jobs in the U.S.
In short:
- Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act has led to 150,000 new clean energy jobs, with 3.5 million now working in the sector.
- Clean energy jobs grew 4.5% last year, outpacing U.S. employment growth, especially in energy efficiency, renewables, and electric vehicles.
- Trump's campaign promises to end clean energy incentives if elected, aiming to deregulate the energy sector.
Key quote:
"The biggest threats to this unprecedented progress are misguided efforts to repeal or roll back parts of the IRA."
— Bob O'Keefe, executive director of E2.
Why this matters:
Reducing pollution saves lives and improves public health. Clean energy job growth boosts the economy but faces potential reversal if Trump wins, risking pollution increases and economic setbacks in this sector.
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Pennsylvania trade unions push for clean energy jobs as the state transitions away from fossil fuels
A coalition of Pennsylvania unions has launched Union Energy to ensure that workers benefit from the state’s shift to clean energy while advocating for unionized jobs in emerging industries.
In short:
- Pennsylvania’s fossil fuel industry is shrinking, and clean energy jobs have yet to fully replace lost positions.
- Union Energy, led by the AFL-CIO, aims to secure good-quality union jobs in the clean energy sector.
- Training programs are also being created to help workers transition into new roles, such as cleaning up abandoned oil and gas wells.
Key quote:
“We want clean air, we want clean water, we want to be able to see our children and grandchildren run atound the earth like we did as children.”
— Angela Ferritto, president of Pennsylvania's AFL-CIO
Why this matters:
As Pennsylvania transitions to clean energy, ensuring that jobs are unionized and well-paid is crucial for workers' economic security. Collaboration between unions and environmental groups could accelerate this shift.
Related:
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Data shows the Inflation Reduction Act boosts US jobs instead of sending them to China
JD Vance's claim that the Inflation Reduction Act sends jobs to China contradicts evidence that it boosts American green manufacturing jobs.
In short:
- JD Vance, GOP vice-presidential candidate, wrongly claims the Inflation Reduction Act shifts U.S. jobs to China by pushing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing offshore.
- Contrary to the candidate's claims, the 2022 law includes measures to boost U.S. green jobs, such as tax credits for EVs made in North America and tariffs on Chinese EVs, to counter China’s dominance in the EV market.
- Reports show the Act has led to significant investments in clean energy projects across the U.S., creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Key quote:
"Energy tax credits have spurred innovation, incentivized investment, and created good jobs in many parts of the country — including many districts represented by members of our conference."
— 18 House Republicans in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)
Why this matters:
The Inflation Reduction Act aims to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese manufacturing and strengthen domestic green energy production. Vance's statements could mislead voters about the Act's impact on U.S. jobs and economic growth.
Be sure to read: Trump selects climate skeptic J.D. Vance as running mate
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US oil production hits record levels while jobs decline
Despite record oil and gas production in the U.S., job opportunities in the sector continue to decline due to increased efficiency and technological advancements.
In short:
- Oil production in the U.S. has reached an all-time high, with the country averaging 13.4 million barrels a day, yet employment in the oil and gas fields has decreased by nearly 20% from pre-pandemic levels.
- Technological innovations such as automated rigs and remote drilling have reduced the need for workers, leading to a more streamlined but smaller workforce.
- While job growth has slowed, the oil and gas industry continues to support related jobs in refineries, infrastructure and supply chains, contributing significantly to local economies.
Key quote:
“You just need fewer workers to produce more oil. When you need less workers, that’s a sign of growth. On the other hand, these are real people losing their jobs.”
— Greg Upton, executive director of Louisiana State University’s Center for Energy Studies
Why this matters:
The decline in oil and gas jobs amid rising production highlights a shift toward greater efficiency, which could affect employment in energy-dependent regions. As technology evolves, the industry may see further job reductions, impacting economic stability in key areas reliant on fossil fuel production.
Related EHN coverage:
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Photo by Pedro Henrique Santos on Unsplash
The cultural legacy of coal mining and its relevance to renewable energy
Coal mining, while hazardous and polluting, fostered strong community bonds and cultural pride that could be emulated in the renewable energy sector.
In short:
- Coal mining in the UK has ended, leaving a significant cultural and community legacy.
- Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, may not require as many local workers but still offer opportunities for community identity.
- Community Energy projects enable local involvement and benefits from renewable energy production.
Key quote:
“They were tough men. And they were proud of it, proud of every minute of it. It ruined people, it broke people. And one of those people was my grandad.”
— Kate Rusby, Yorkshire folk-singer
Why this matters:
Transitioning to clean energy must consider the social and cultural impacts on communities historically dependent on coal. Embracing community-driven energy projects can preserve the sense of pride and belonging once found in coal mining towns.
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Michigan aids workers in clean energy shift
To support the transition to clean energy, Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has established an office to help workers move from fossil fuel jobs to renewable energy roles.
In short:
- Michigan aims for 100% clean energy, transitioning auto production from gas to electric vehicles.
- The new Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, funded federally, aids manufacturers and workers in adapting to renewable energy jobs.
- Collaboration with federal programs enhances workforce training and resource allocation for economic transitions.
Key quote:
“We know that we’re going to have clean energy transitions that are gonna take us years and decades to fully employ. So what we can do is we can create these opportunities to identify the communities and workers that are most vulnerable to change, and then deliver opportunities to the businesses in those communities so that they don’t ever face that economic harm.”
— Jonathan Smith, senior chief deputy director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Why this matters:
The transition to clean energy can prevent economic harm in communities reliant on fossil fuels by creating new jobs and training opportunities. Proactive strategies help ensure that workers and businesses can adapt to and benefit from these changes.
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Biden aims to transform US with historic $1.6 trillion investment
President Joe Biden has launched a historic $1.6 trillion initiative to revitalize American infrastructure and accelerate green technology, aiming to secure his legacy and re-election.
In short:
- Biden's package includes massive investments in clean energy and manufacturing with significant tax breaks aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions.
- Out of the total funds, a large portion remains unspent, highlighting challenges in the execution of these ambitious programs.
- Recent spending includes significant allocations for semiconductor production and clean energy projects, underlining strategic moves to counteract technological competition from China.
Key quote:
"There's a lot left to do. First of all, that money needs to be deployed."
— John Podesta, White House senior clean energy advisor
Why this matters:
The administration's approach reflects a dual commitment: revitalizing the nation's aging infrastructure while steering the economic engine toward more sustainable practices. This pivot aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the United States—one of the world's leading polluters—and galvanize the domestic clean energy sector, potentially setting a global benchmark for environmental stewardship and innovation.
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