June 10, 2009 —

In 2007, there were nearly 13,000 jobs in Maryland’s clean energy economy, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts in the most detailed study yet on this sector. The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across America found that the clean energy economy is creating well-paying jobs in every state for people of all skill levels and educational backgrounds. Included in Pew’s definition are jobs as diverse as engineers, plumbers, administrative assistants, construction workers, machine setters, marketing consultants, teachers and many others with annual incomes ranging from $21,000 to $111,000.

Nationwide, the number of jobs in America’s emerging clean energy economy grew nearly two and a half times faster than overall jobs.  By 2007, more than 68,200 businesses across all 50 states and the District of Columbia accounted for about 770,000 clean energy economy jobs, despite a lack of sustained public policy support. 

The study found that while Maryland’s clean energy sector contracted slightly between 1998 and 2007, it still included 12,908 jobs in 2007 and attracted nearly $324 million in venture capital in the past three years alone.

“Maryland has a small share of America’s clean energy economy, but it could grow with the right policies and investments,” said Lori Grange, interim deputy director of the Pew Center on the States. “The state is ranked sixth in clean technology venture capital investment, all of which has been invested in clean energy generation. And projects are in the works to keep the momentum going—for instance, the Maryland Transit Authority is committed to operating an entirely hybrid-electric bus fleet by 2014.”  

While previous studies used various definitions and were based on modeling and multiplier effects, Pew performed the first-ever hard count across all 50 states of the actual jobs, companies and venture capital investments that supply the growing market demand for environmentally friendly products and services.

Pew developed a clear, data-driven definition of the clean energy economy.
 
Maryland’s clean energy economy will receive a boost from the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which allocates nearly $85 billion nationwide in direct spending and tax incentives for energy- and transportation-related programs.  Maryland provides financial incentives for clean energy and regional initiatives as well.  The state also has renewable energy and energy efficiency policies.
 
According to Pew’s definition, “a clean energy economy generates jobs, businesses and investments while expanding clean energy production, increasing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste and pollution, and conserving water and other natural resources.”  Pew’s definition is based on previous research and input from nationally recognized environmental scientists and economists, including an advisory panel convened to help guide the study.

“Every state has a piece of America’s clean energy economy, and we are seeing a growing number jockeying to expand their share,” said Grange.  “There is a potential competitive advantage for federal and state policy leaders who act now to spur jobs, businesses and investments in the clean energy sector. Those who don’t risk losing opportunities for economic growth and environmental sustainability.”

“There is bipartisan support and a growing market demand for transitioning to the clean energy economy,” said Phyllis Cuttino, director, U.S. Global Warming Campaign, at the Pew Environment Group. “Americans understand the transition is good for the overall economy, is creating new opportunities for jobs and business growth, and helps protect our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.  Congress and the Obama Administration can and must produce energy and global warming legislation that creates jobs, enhances energy independence and sustains our environment.”
 
The complete study is available online at www.pewtrusts.org/cleanenergyeconomy
 
ABOUT THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS
The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life.