Today, the Blue-Green Action Alliance, the public policy partnership of the Sierra Club and the United Steelworkers, and Environment North Carolina released a new report, “North Carolina’s Road to Energy Independence,” detailing the thousands of new green jobs in North Carolina that could be created by manufacturing the components for wind turbines, solar panels, and other renewable energy equipment. The study, prepared by the Renewable Energy Policy Project, found that 31 firms in New Hanover County could benefit from 375 new jobs.
“Why order wind turbines from Denmark to put up in Wilmington when we know that North Carolina has the workers and the factories to make them right here in the state?” said Alex Mohajer, Field Associate with Environment North Carolina. “Turbines from Wilmington and solar panels from the Cape Fear area make sense for both the environment and North Carolina’s economy. North Carolina’s been blessed with the natural resources to help America fight global warming, now it’s time for us to take advantage of North Carolina’s human resources to help put these smart energy solutions—and our citizens—to work.”
At a time when the U.S. is rapidly losing manufacturing jobs, renewable energy manufacturing can revitalize communities across North Carolina that have lost jobs, as well creating a whole new generation of good-paying manufacturing jobs. States across the country, such as Iowa, Arkansas, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, have already seen thousands of new jobs created in the clean energy manufacturing sector.
“By pushing more renewable energy—something that will fight global warming and protect the environment—North Carolina can enjoy the same benefits that other states are already seeing,” said Mohajer. “Fighting global warming offers us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a stronger, greener, and more equitable economy, while leaving a cleaner planet and stable climate for our children and grandchildren.”
Strong State and National Renewable Energy Standards Needed
The groups also called on Congress to include a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES)—a requirement that 15 percent of our energy come from renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass—in the final energy bill it is due to take up soon. After Republicans, led by Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico, filibustered such a standard in the Senate, it was passed by the House of Representatives in its version of the energy bill. It is essential that this provision be included in the final bill.
“The states that moved earliest and most aggressively to establish renewable electricity standards have seen thousands of new jobs created already,” said Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director. “By enacting a national standard, Congress could make sure that all states can benefit from the green energy manufacturing boom. All the pieces are there, Congress just needs to pass a final bill to flip the switch on America’s clean energy future.”
"Right now, we have a historic opportunity to forge a new direction," said Leo Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers. "Investments in environmentally friendly alternative energy programs at the state level, supported by federal initiatives, can create a new surge of quality job growth while significantly reducing our dependence on foreign oil. We cannot allow this opportunity to pass us by. There are no good jobs without a clean environment, and vice-versa."
David Foster, Executive Director of the Blue Green Action Alliance, said, “We believe environmental challenges like global warming represent the most important economic opportunities of our generation. This study confirms that view.”
In addition to creating thousands of new jobs, analyses have demonstrated that enacting a national RES could save hardworking American families up to $18 billion by 2020 on their energy bills by lowering the cost of natural gas, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. Savings for consumers here in North Carolina would add up to $530 million. This would also benefit industry and farmers who also depend heavily on natural gas.
“Rep. Mike McIntyre voted against RES when Congress was working on its energy bills this summer,” stated Mohajer. “We hope that he will look at the many benefits for North Carolina and support the national Renewable Electricity Standard passed by the House. This is something that will benefit each and every one of us by saving us money on our energy bills, protecting our environment, and strengthening our state’s economy.”
