Matt Adams
North Carolina is a Southeast standout in clean energy. Nearly 113,000 employees strong in 2019 and growing 40% faster than overall statewide employment, the industry is a clear economic bright spot. Entering 2020, our clean energy sector expanded for its fifth consecutive year and currently comprises 52% of all energy employment in the state. We’ve increased our electric vehicle market and implemented broad energy efficiency principles in every corner.
Clean energy is not a partisan issue in North Carolina. Year after year, our businesses and markets demand higher levels of electricity derived from renewables. Clearly, Our investments in the sector spell out a history of success and numerous payouts — from job growth to spin-off businesses and local tax revenue.
Even though our clean energy industry is profound and resilient, every business took a hit from COVID-19’s massive swipe. Of the 3.3 million clean energy workers across the United States in 2019, nearly half a million of them were laid off as a result of the pandemic. As we continue re-opening, our economy is going to need a kickstart. Focusing on the reemployment of North Carolina’s clean energy workers is the first step to reenergizing our economy.
Because of their leadership in the clean energy space, I’m proud to have Senators Tillis and Burr committed to keeping us on top. They both have advocated for recognition that investing in clean energy is a smart tactic for COVID-19 recovery. Not only that, it is essential to our future economic resilience and energy independence. I commend our congressional delegation, state and local leadership for bringing these jobs home to our communities and positioning North Carolina for the 21st century economy.
As we rally against the coronavirus and its accompanying economic disruption, prioritizing support for our clean energy industry is imperative. It will bolster local economic development, increase the field of long-term employment options, and promote American innovation, all while driving down carbon emissions and playing to consumers’ and business’ demonstrated desire for environmentally conscious energy alternatives. developing an environmentally-conscience business ecosystem in which all Americans can prosper.
Matt Adams is the former chairman of the North Carolina Federation of College Republicans.
