Green energy could provide a boost for America’s rural communities. Clean energy is a growing economic source for rural communities across the U.S. The sector has employed around 360,000 workers in rural counties as of 2019, accounting for up to 10% of total employment in some counties. Rural areas represent 86% of persistent poverty counties in the U.S. Creating clean energy jobs in these areas provides an opportune solution to combat poverty and deliver a U.S. green recovery after the pandemic. Clean energy is a growing economic engine for rural communities across the United States. The sector—which includes jobs in renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, advanced electric grid development, clean fuels and clean vehicles —employed approximately 360,000 workers in rural counties as of 2019, accounting for as much as 10% of total employment or more in some counties. The sector has also experienced rapid growth in recent years, and with federal investment, can deliver greater benefits still despite industry losses weathered during the coronavirus pandemic. In many regions, clean energy jobs are diversifying the rural economy and helping to transform areas that may otherwise struggle to attract jobs and investments or have been facing years of economic stagnation. With […]
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