Why Clean Energy Manufacturing Is Good for the Environment and Economy

A new CAP issue brief illustrates the importance of clean energy manufacturing in fighting climate change, creating jobs, and increasing U.S. competitiveness.

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Idea of the Day

Idea of the Day

Mainstream media coverage of climate change presents the manufacturing sector of the economy as one of the fiercest enemies of climate action in the United States. But this sector, which is also usually painted as one of the biggest sources of carbon pollution in the country, is actually vital to the process of building a low-carbon economy. Remaking old systems such as the electricity grid will require new clean energy products, and the development of new sectors will be fueled by technological innovation. For advanced economies such as the United States, it’s increasingly clear that manufacturing and innovation go hand in hand, and emerging sectors, including renewable energy, restoration and resilience, and low-carbon transportation, will depend on a strong and vibrant domestic manufacturing sector.

By innovating, engineering, and manufacturing clean energy technologies, the United States can create good jobs for the middle class and fight climate change—all while securing a share in the booming global clean energy market.

For more on this topic, please see:

Clean Energy Manufacturing Fights Climate Change, Increases U.S. Competitiveness, and Creates Jobs by Adam James and Kate Gordon

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