Pennsylvania 3rd In Green Jobs

Vivi Gorman, GREENandSAVE.com
Posted on Sunday 14th June 2009

A study released June 10 by the Pew Charitable Trusts ranked Pennsylvania third in the nation for jobs related to clean energy. The study found that from 1998 to 2007, green jobs nationwide grew more than two times faster than overall job growth.

Pew found that from 1998 to 2007 jobs in the clean energy economy grew at a national rate of 9.1 percent, while traditional jobs grew by only 3.7 percent. The study is premised on a definition of the clean energy economy based on data and input from experts in clean energy. The definition includes clean energy, energy efficiency, environmentally-friendly production, conservation and pollution mitigation, and training and support.

The research spanned all 50 states, looking at jobs, companies and venture capital investments involved in eco-friendly products and services.

The country’s clean energy economy has grown significantly, Pew says, and stands to grow even more in light of increasing consumer demand, investments and federal and state policy reforms. Lori Grange, interim deputy director of the Pew Center on the States, characterized the likely expansion as “explosive growth.” This is especially so given that states will be receiving federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for energy and transportation programs and numerous states have adopted pollution-reducing and energy conservation policies.

Pennsylvania ranked next after California and Texas in growth of green jobs over the study period. Jan Jarrett, president and CEO of Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, commented that small and large companies are coming to Pennsylvania to benefit from the state’s policies and funding supporting clean energy, including big wind energy firms from Spain.

Pew found that the clean energy sector is providing well-paying jobs at various levels in each state. This is good news for those of all skill levels and educational backgrounds. Research green job training and explore the opportunities.

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