18,400 Nebraska residents now work in clean energy industries in 92 out of 93 counties in the state.
A new analysis of energy jobs data the Clean Energy Trust and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), also indicates that the majority of clean energy jobs in Nebraska are in energy efficiency.
Micaela Preskill, Midwest Advocate at E2, says energy efficiency is focused on how we use energy more effectively, things like how well an HVAC system can heat a building or using better building materials and smart technology when building.
Preskill says though clean energy jobs in Nebraska are expected to grow, that percentage is small at .2 percent.
She says the reason for that is the absence of strong state policies that encourage clean energy growth.
"Unlike the other Midwestern states in our survey, there are no standards for energy efficiency in renewable energy in Nebraska. And we’ve seen from looking at other Midwestern states that those policies can lead to growth in the industry. The bottom line is clean energy is a significant part of the labor force and the economy in Nebraska but if we want to keep and even grow these good paying jobs, we need to pass strong policies that encourage clean energy development.”
Preskill says clean energy employs six times more Nebraska employees than fossil fuels, it’s growing and it’s the energy of the future.
She says clean energy is a win-win because it’s not only good for the environment, but it also creates jobs and fuels small businesses.
For more information, the website is E2.org/reports.