Just jobs in clean energy: Seizing the moment for economic equity

We are in a record-breaking moment for clean energy: Companies are investing in clean energy at levels never seen, as well as building more wind and solar projects in the United States than ever before. And it’s just getting started.This progress, which has been fueled by federal investments signed into law by the Biden administration, is not only reshaping our energy system to tackle climate change; it’s also reshaping the economic opportunities that can drive prosperity and wealth in communities around the country. I’m talking about new, high-paying jobs building clean technologies that can sustain families, training and apprenticeship programs that can launch young people’s careers in this fast-growing field, and the revenue that clean energy projects can pour into towns’ schools and roads.These are unprecedented opportunities that can lift up workers, families and entire communities, and we need to make sure they reach everyone — especially Black communities and communities of color that have faced a legacy of disinvestment and have been most harmed by polluting industries. While everyone has a role to play in this moment, mayors and community leaders are in a critical position to bring these communities to the forefront of new clean economic opportunities.The two...