According to a Clean Jobs Report released by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) and Evergreen Climate Innovations, Michigan has emerged as a leader in clean energy job growth in the Midwest region. The report reveals that the state added more than 5,400 workers to the clean energy sector in 2022, bringing the total number of clean energy and clean transportation jobs to 123,983, representing a 4.6% increase.
Michigan’s clean energy economy is expected to continue growing due to investments resulting from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which is considered the largest investment in climate and clean energy in history. Additionally, the state is considering adopting clean energy policies that will further bolster job growth in the sector.
The report highlights the energy efficiency sector as the leading segment, with more than 75,000 workers employed. These workers are involved in manufacturing Energy Star-rated appliances, installing energy-efficient lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as implementing advanced building materials in both residential and commercial buildings.
In terms of growth rate, clean transportation jobs experienced the fastest increase in Michigan in 2022, with a growth rate of 14.4%. This sector added 4,067 jobs, bringing the total number of workers to 32,271. Much of this growth can be attributed to jobs related to electric vehicle production.
The report also identifies the major hubs for clean energy jobs in Michigan, with Detroit leading the way with 66,586 jobs, followed by Grand Rapids with 14,590 jobs and Lansing with 4,306 jobs. Moreover, rural areas of the state contribute close to 16,000 jobs to the clean energy sector.
Laura Sherman, president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, highlighted the positive impact of clean energy investments, stating that they not only create well-paying jobs but also reduce costs for Michigan families while improving power reliability. She expressed the council’s commitment to partnering with state and federal governments to remove policy barriers and maximize the benefits of new investments and opportunities.
Sources:
– Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)
– Evergreen Climate Innovations