190K Annual Clean Energy Jobs in OH, MI, CO, OR
Editorial StaffResearch indicates that recent federal laws could help states develop a diverse workforce in various sectors.
New findings from the National Skills Coalition (NSC) and the BlueGreen Alliance (BGA) reveal that historic investments in clean energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS and Science Act will generate over 190,000 jobs annually across Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, and Oregon over the next decade. NSC and BGA urge for education, training, and support to ensure local workers are prepared for these opportunities.
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) conducted the research, showing that most of these jobs will be accessible to workers without a bachelor's degree: 71% in Ohio, 73% in Michigan, 62% in Colorado, and 63% in Oregon.
Melissa Johnson, NSC's Managing Director of State Strategies, stated, "These investments offer a rare chance to bolster middle-class, blue-collar jobs that require skills training. Without proper investment in education and support, we risk excluding workers and maintaining inequality in job access."
NSC and BGA advocate for additional industry partnerships and local hiring initiatives to boost recruitment, retention, and career advancement, focusing on people of color and women in the infrastructure and clean energy sectors.
Jason Walsh, BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director, noted, "The report highlights the immense potential for blue-collar workers in these states, transitioning from low-wage positions to stable careers in construction and manufacturing. Unions are already diversifying their workforce through targeted outreach for apprenticeship programs but achieving this requires more extensive training and educational programs, particularly for women and workers of color."
New roles created will include both frontline and managerial positions such as construction laborers, managers, truck drivers, electricians, and telecommunications line installers and repairers.
Across all states, the study shows that the median hourly wage for these new jobs will surpass the state's median hourly wage:
- In Ohio, the median hourly wage will be $26.05, 15.7% higher than the state's median of $22.05.
- In Michigan, it will be $26.05, 10.6% higher than the state's median of $23.55.
- In Colorado, it will be $28.10, 4% higher than the state's median of $27.00.
- In Oregon, it will be $29.05, 12% higher than the state's median of $25.95.
For detailed data on each state, refer to these resources:
