More than 111,700 clean energy jobs in communities of color, according to new Climate Power report

Since the passage of the Clean Energy Plan, more than 170,000 clean energy jobs have been created in the country, and most are located in communities of color. 

Washington, D.C. –  With Labor Day just days away, as the country experiences a boom in job opportunities, a new report from Climate Power highlights how the Democrats’ clean energy plan continues to generate good-paying jobs and opportunities in communities of color. According to the report, since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, 201 of the 272 announced clean energy projects are in communities of color. These have brought more than 111,700 new jobs to areas populated by large racial and ethnic minorities, or 66% of the 170,606 new clean energy jobs spurred overall.

“This clean energy boom will allow Latino families across the country to access good-paying jobs and lower their electricity bills, while helping to reduce the toxic emissions that fuel the climate crisis, ensuring a safe and clean future for our children,” said Antonieta Cadiz, deputy executive director of Climate Power En Acción. “While the administration’s Clean Energy Plan moves the nation to a reality where all Americans have access to the clean energy boom, including its economic and environmental benefits; Republicans continue to threaten to kill to hinder and even reverse the climate progress we’ve made. We cannot allow this to happen.

According to the new report, there are 61 new clean energy projects in Latino communities, spurring $41.08 billion in investment and 46,660 new clean energy jobs in the community since the passage of the legislation. Arizona, Nevada, Texas, California and Colorado are home to the largest number of new clean energy jobs in Latino communities. Hourly wages for clean energy jobs exceed national averages by 8% to 19%, and building efficiency insulation and construction are two of the most prevalent occupations in the sector, jobs now held by 25.7% and 31.5% Latinos, respectively.

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. 

Democratic legislators in Washington D.C. also commented on the new report:

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

“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 Cortez Masto. “I’ll always fight to deliver the resources, support, and economic opportunity Nevada families and communities of color need to succeed.”

Senator Raphael Warnock

“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.”

Senator Michael Bennet 

“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.”