Some of America’s most powerful states are also its dirtiest. States likeWest Virginia, Kentucky, Wyoming, Indiana, and Utah rely heavily on coal for energy and have fought to protect thecoal industryfrom competition. As a result, they suffer frompoor air qualityand are especially vulnerable to climate change. However, there is hope. These states have abundantrenewable energy resourcesand opportunities to transition toclean energy economiesthat generate jobs, improve public health and increase resilience.
“We must change the way we think about energy. We cannot continue to rely on dirty fuels like coal if we want to protect our planet for future generations,” wisely said former PresidentBarack Obama.
Key Metrics and Statistics
- West Virginia, Kentucky, Wyoming, Indiana, and Utah produce over 50% of U.S. coal and are the top 5 dirtiest states.
- Coal-fired power plants in these states emit over 100 million tons of pollution each year, causingrespiratory disease, heart disease and cancer.
- Average temperatures in these states have risen over 2°F since 1880, leading to moreextreme weatherlike heat waves, droughts and floods.
Opportunities
- These states have abundant solar, wind and other renewable energy resources to replace coal.
- Investing inenergy efficiencyby weatherizing buildings can create jobs and save money.
- Transitioning to clean energy can generate new economic opportunity. For example, the solar industry now employs over 250,000 Americans in good-paying jobs.
- According to the Solar Foundation's 2021 Solar Jobs Census, the industry is 40% female, 30% people of color and 20% veterans.
- The median age of solar workers is 36, and the majority of workers have a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The median wage for solar workers is $55,270, which is significantly higher than the national average of $39,810.
- The solar industry also offers a number of benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off.
- Improving air quality can save lives. Reducing emissions in these states could prevent up to 12,000premature deathseach year, according to research in #Elsevier’sEnergyPolicy.
- Building more renewable energy and efficiency helps ensure affordable, reliable power for the long run. As thecost of coalrises and regulations tighten, coal power will become increasingly uneconomical. Meanwhile, thecost of renewablescontinues to fall.
Here are some ways to encourage the dirtiest states to transition to clean energy:
- Provide financial incentives:States can provide financial incentives to businesses and individuals who invest in clean energy. This could include tax breaks, rebates or grants.
- Set ambitious goals:States can set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of clean energy. This will help to create a clear path forward and encourage businesses and individuals to make the switch to clean energy.
- Pass clean energy laws:States can pass laws that promote clean energy, such as renewable portfolio standards or emissions caps. These laws will help to ensure that the state is moving towards a clean energy future.
- Educate the public:States can educate the public about the benefits of clean energy. This will help to build support for clean energy policies and encourage people to make the switch to clean energy.
- Partner with businesses:States can partner with businesses to promote clean energy. This could involve providing technical assistance, helping to secure financing, or marketing clean energy products and services.
By taking these steps, states can encourage the transition to clean energy and help to protect the environment.
Here are some additional specific actions that could be taken:
- Invest in research and development:States can invest in research and development to improve the cost-effectiveness of clean energy technologies. This will help to make clean energy more affordable and accessible.
- Support workforce development:States can support workforce development programs to train people for jobs in the clean energy sector. This will help to ensure that there is a skilled workforce available to meet the demand for clean energy.
- Promote international cooperation:States can promote international cooperation on clean energy. This will help to share knowledge and best practices, and to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future.
The transition to clean energy is a complex challenge, but it is one that is essential to protect the environment and our future. By taking these steps, states can play a leading role in the transition to a clean energy future.
Subscribe to theSustainable Investing Digestto learn how you can invest in a clean energy future. Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7053058780464345088. Use #cleanenergy on social media to spread the message. Together, we can motivate political and business leaders to act now to transition from coal to clean energy.
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