Pew report documents U.S. losing out on green jobs

A report this week from the Pew Trusts confirmed what AWEA's numbers have been saying: the United States is losing ground to China and European countries in investing in manufacturing for renewable energy.

The report notes that the United States invested $18.6 billion in clean energy in 2009, compared with $34.6 billion invested by China.

“The United States’ competitive position is at risk in the emerging clean energy economy,” said Phyllis Cuttino, who directs the Pew Environment Group’s Global Warming Campaign.

“Our nation has a critical choice to make: pass the federal policies necessary to position us as the world leader in the large and growing global clean energy market or continue to watch as China and other countries race ahead…Countries are jockeying for leadership. They know that investing in clean energy can renew manufacturing bases, and create export opportunities, jobs and businesses.”

We know, of course, what the right policies are: a strong renewable electricity standard (RES), which China and most European countries have. The challenge is getting Congress and the Administration to make the push for the legislation this year.