New Climate Power Communities of Color Report: Over 111,700 Clean Energy Jobs in Communities of Color

Since Passage of Inflation Reduction Act, Majority of Clean Energy Projects are in Communities of Color, Creating Over 111,700 Jobs in Areas with BIPOC Communities 

Washington, D.C. – President Biden and Democrats’ clean energy plan continues to deliver good paying jobs and opportunities to communities across the country. According to Climate Power’s new report, since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, 201 of the 272 clean energy projects announced are in communities of color, bringing more than 111,700 new jobs. 

“The administration’s clean energy plan is a great first step in ensuring America’s clean energy boom is accessible to communities of color,” said Antonieta Cadiz, Deputy Executive Director of Climate Power, En Acción. “In just a year, thanks to President Biden’s clean energy plan, nearly three fourths of the clean energy job growth we have seen are in communities of color. Meanwhile, yet again, Republicans are trying to kill our clean energy boom cold by threatening a government shutdown in less than a month. Their agenda stands to hurt and harm us the most. We can’t allow this to happen.” 

“Clean energy is helping drive Nevada’s economy, and the Inflation Reduction Act is creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs for workers in every corner of our state,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. “I’ll always fight to deliver the resources, support, and economic opportunity Nevada families and communities of color need to succeed.”

“In the year since Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act and it was signed into law, we have seen Georgia’s clean energy economy transform. With over $17 billion in investments and the creation of more than 15,000 good-paying clean jobs, the law’s impact in Georgia has been profound, particularly in our communities of color, making investments that are already proving to be pivotal for all of Georgia’s communities. By unlocking opportunities for Georgians of color to thrive, we elevate the collective well-being of all Georgians. I came to the Senate committed to serving and championing the interests of all Georgians, and I am elated to see the Inflation Reduction Act doing just that. From Savannah to Dalton, Augusta to Atlanta, and everywhere in between, we are seeing a clean energy boom that holds the promise of a more sustainable future. I remain committed to doing everything I can in Washington to strengthen our clean energy economy for businesses and working people all across Georgia,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. 

“The Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant climate legislation that any country on the planet has ever passed, and we’re already seeing how it’s creating jobs and supporting the clean energy transition for communities of color in Colorado. This legislation includes tax credits to help working Americans make energy efficient home upgrades, as well as provisions to attract clean energy investments and protect public health in low-income and traditionally underserved communities. With this legislation, Washington is helping every community in America fight against climate change,” said Senator Michael Bennet. 

Toplines from the report: 

• 66% of new clean energy jobs and 74% of projects are located in communities of color across the United States.  
• 201 projects located in communities of color across 39 states are creating 111,776 new clean energy jobs and more than $134.21 billion in investment. 
• Georgia, South Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas are home to the largest number of new clean energy jobs in communities of color, with each having over 8,000 jobs. 
• In Black communities, there are 124 new clean energy projects, spurring $53.52 billion in investment and 58,473 new clean energy jobs since the passage of the IRA. Georgia, South Carolina, Michigan, New York, and Tennessee are home to the largest number of new clean energy jobs in Black communities.
• In Latino communities, there are 61 new clean energy projects, spurring $41.08 billion in investment and 46,660 new clean energy jobs since the passage of the IRA. Arizona, Nevada, Texas, California, and Colorado are home to the largest number of new clean energy jobs in Latino communities.
• In Native American communities, there are 56 new clean energy projects, spurring $38.02 billion in investment and 37,498 new clean energy jobs since the passage of the IRA. Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, California, and Texas are home to the largest number of new clean energy jobs in Native American communities.
• In Asian/Asian American communities, there are 49 new clean energy projects, spurring $17.64 billion in investment and 16,623 new clean energy jobs since the passage of the IRA. Nevada, California, Michigan, Texas, and New York are home to the largest number of new clean energy jobs in Asian communities.
• In Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander communities, there are 57 new clean energy projects, spurring $69.07 billion in investment and 40,862 new clean energy jobs since the passage of the IRA. Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, California, and Colorado are home to the largest number of new clean energy jobs in Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander communities. 

While work needs to continue to ensure that people of color are hired in the clean energy sector, the clean energy workforce is more diverse than the overall energy workforce. According to the Department of Energy’s latest Energy and Employment Report, the wind, solar, and electric transmission industries have higher rates of people of color than the petroleum, natural gas, and coal industries.