Reality Check: Climate policies create jobs

At a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today, Rep. Upton claimed that climate legislation could cost U.S. jobs. But in reality solving the climate crisis will be the biggest economic boon to our nation in generations. Instead of importing billions of barrels of oil each year, America could be exporting millions of windmills and solar panels around the world.

More than 8.5 million workers are already employed in clean energy related jobs. With the right policies and investments, that number could jump to 40 million in just 20 years. The vast majority of jobs created by clean energy are standard jobs for accountants, engineers, computer analysts, clerks, factory works, truck drivers and mechanics. Because it is labor-intensive, investment in renewable energy creates more jobs than coal, oil or nuclear projects.

Call the Rep. Fred Upton at (202) 225-3761. Tell him the faster we cut pollution and transition to clean energy, the more people we’ll put to work.