The clean energy sector in the United States has been a major driver of job growth, but recent policy changes under President Donald Trump may put these gains at risk. According to a report by environmental advocacy group E2, clean energy jobs grew three times faster than the overall U.S. workforce in 2024. However, the Trump administration’s push to limit renewable energy development could threaten this booming industry. Below is an overview of the report’s findings and the potential impact of these policies on clean energy jobs and the economy.
Clean Energy Job Growth in 2024
The clean energy sector has shown impressive growth in recent years, creating jobs at a rapid pace. The E2 report highlights several key points about this growth:
- Significant Job Creation: In 2024, the clean energy industry added 100,000 new jobs, growing by 2.8%. This brought total employment in the sector to over 3.5 million people.
- Outpacing Other Industries: Clean energy jobs grew three times faster than the rest of the U.S. workforce, making it one of the most dynamic job sectors in the country.
- Dominance in Energy Sector: More than 80% of all new energy sector jobs in 2024 were in clean energy, showing its critical role in driving employment.
- Key States Leading Growth: States like Idaho, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, and New Jersey saw the highest growth in clean energy jobs last year.
The report emphasizes that clean energy, which includes industries like solar, wind, biofuels, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, battery storage, and grid modernization, has become a cornerstone of the U.S. economy.
Why Clean Energy Matters
Clean energy is not just about reducing carbon emissions—it’s also a major economic engine. Here are some reasons why this sector is vital:
- Job Numbers Outshine Fossil Fuels: The report notes that clean energy employs three times as many Americans as the oil, gas, and coal industries combined. This makes it a leading employer in the energy sector.
- Diverse Job Opportunities: Clean energy jobs span a wide range of roles, from manufacturing and installation to research and development. For example, energy efficiency jobs, such as installing efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems, account for nearly 2.4 million jobs alone.
- Economic Benefits in Key States: States like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Massachusetts lead in wind and solar jobs, providing economic opportunities in both urban and rural areas.
The growth of clean energy has brought well-paying jobs to communities across the country, supporting families and boosting local economies. E2 Executive Director Bob Keefe stated, “What these numbers show is that this was one of the hottest and most promising job sectors in the country at the end of 2024.”
Trump Administration’s Policy Shifts
Since taking office in January 2025, the Trump administration has moved to reverse many of the clean energy policies championed by former President Joe Biden. These changes could have serious consequences for the sector. Key actions include:
- Rolling Back Support for Renewables: The administration has taken steps to reduce federal support for wind and solar projects, which were central to Biden’s plan to decarbonize the U.S. electricity grid by 2035.
- Promoting Fossil Fuels: Instead of investing in clean energy, the administration has prioritized expanding oil, gas, and coal production, which employ fewer workers compared to renewables.
- Creating Uncertainty: Policy changes, such as new tariffs and reduced subsidies, have created uncertainty for clean energy companies, potentially discouraging investment and slowing job growth.
These shifts mark a significant departure from the previous administration’s focus on clean energy as a tool to fight climate change and create jobs. The E2 report warns that these policies could jeopardize the sector’s growth and harm the broader economy.
Potential Impacts of Policy Changes
The Trump administration’s policies could have far-reaching effects on clean energy jobs and the U.S. economy. Here are some potential consequences:
- Job Losses: The E2 report suggests that many of the 3.5 million clean energy jobs could be at risk if policies continue to favor fossil fuels over renewables.
- Economic Slowdown: Clean energy has been a key driver of economic growth, particularly in states like Texas and Florida. Scaling back this sector could reduce economic opportunities in these regions.
- Higher Energy Costs: Limiting renewable energy development could lead to tighter electricity supplies, potentially increasing household electricity costs by up to $280 per year by 2035, according to some estimates.
- Global Competitiveness: Other countries, like China, are investing heavily in clean energy. If the U.S. falls behind, it could lose its edge in this fast-growing global market, impacting innovation and job creation.
The report highlights that clean energy is not just an environmental issue but a critical part of the U.S. economy. Bob Keefe warned, “Now, clean energy job growth is at serious risk – and with it, our overall economy.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges posed by current policies, the clean energy sector has shown resilience. Many projects are driven by state-level policies, such as Renewable Portfolio Standards, which require utilities to source a certain amount of energy from renewables. These state-level commitments could help sustain some growth in the sector, even in the face of federal policy changes.
However, the loss of federal support could slow progress. Industry experts argue that an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, which includes both renewables and fossil fuels, would better meet growing energy demands, especially with the rise of energy-hungry technologies like artificial intelligence.
The E2 report underscores the importance of maintaining a strong clean energy sector to support jobs, economic growth, and energy security. As the U.S. navigates these policy changes, the future of clean energy—and the millions of jobs it supports—hangs in the balance.
