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As we have reported, the clean energy sector is down more than 620,000 jobs thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and the industry is now pushing hard for relief from Congress in the form of tax credits that companies would receive as cash payments (a deal Congress gave some companies) and delaying the phase-down of other tax incentives. Nearly 200 Democratic members of the House of Representatives signed a joint letter to Speaker Pelosi urging Congress to pass these proposals, at the same time as the Sierra Club and other NGOs criticize the House for failing to provide clean energy companies relief in previous stimulus bills.
Why This Matters: While there may be some overcounting in jobs lost or undercounting of the number covered under the generic PPP stimulus program, there is no doubt the sector has been “decimated” as the clean energy industry claims. It had been one very bright spot in terms of job growth until the virus struck. These are the good-paying jobs of the future — and are essential to making our climate goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions — not just because they grow the economy and help to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency for all Americans.
The clean energy industry association reps told reporters that without specific relief for them, there will be even more layoffs ahead. “We need Congress to quit ignoring the size, the scope, and the economic importance of clean energy in America,” Bob Keefe, executive director of E2, the Washington Examiner reported. “And we need to quit letting the rest of the world leave America in the dust when it comes to energy innovation and jobs and the investments that come with it,” Keefe added. Still, the clean energy sector should improve on its own eventually. As fossil fuel companies are increasingly struggling financially and losing financial backers, clean energy projects are still seen as a good investment.
By Ashira Morris, ODP Staff Writer Late last week, President Biden and a critical mass of Democrats in the Senate and House agreed on the details of Build Back Better legislation — a $1.85 trillion overall investment that includes a record-setting $555 billion dollars to take on the climate crisis. The agreement marked a […]
By Amy Lupica, ODP Daily Editor Top executives from Big Oil companies ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, and Shell testified before Congress yesterday amid accusations and revelations about their industry’s efforts to mislead the public about human-caused climate change while claiming to be in favor of climate action. A report released Thursday morning by the House Committee […]
By Natasha Lasky, ODP Staff Writer As the world gets ready for COP26 in Glasgow next week, many nations are upping their pledges to lower emissions before 2030. But according to a UN report released Tuesday, even if Argentina, Britain, Canada, the EU, South Africa, and the US achieve their pledged goals, it would account […]
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