This is where U.S. clean energy jobs can make the biggest difference

May 12, 2021

a farmer rides his cattle in a silhouette picture

Green energy could provide a boost for America's rural communities. Image: REUTERS/David GrayDG/BM

Tom Cyrs

Research Analyst, World Resource Institute

Devashree Saha

Senior Associate, World Resources Institute

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a map of the us showing total private sector employment

Clean energy jobs represent 2% of total private sector employment in the United States, but account for a higher proportion in many rural areas. Image: World Resources Institute

a map showing how clean energy jobs outweigh fossil fuel jobs in the us

Clean energy jobs outnumber fossil fuel jobs in 80% of rural counties (1,592 out of 1,976) Image: World Resources Institute

a map showing renewal energy jobs in the usa

Aggregated at the state level, rural counties in Texas have the highest number of renewable energy generation and advanced grid jobs, while rural counties in Ohio, Iowa and Indiana lead in energy efficiency, clean fuels and clean vehicle jobs. Image: World Resources Institute

a chart showing the growth of clean energy jobs in america's rural counties

Between 2017 and 2019, clean energy jobs in rural counties grew at a rate of 9%. By contrast, urban counties grew slower, increasing by 6%. Image: World Resources Institute

a chart showing the effect of the pandemic on clean energy jobs

Though the number of jobs lost in the clean energy sector is much higher in urban counties, at 327,772, the pandemic has led to a 13% decline in rural clean energy employment from 2019 level, compared to 11% decline in urban counties. Image: World Resources Institute

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