Michigan Ranks 6th Nationally for Clean Energy Jobs

LANSING, Mich. — The 2024 Clean Jobs America Report from E2, based on an analysis of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2024 Energy and Employment Report (USEER), shows Michigan continues to lead the race for clean energy jobs.   

“Michigan is committed to leading the future of clean energy, lowering utility costs for families, creating good-paying jobs, and growing our advanced manufacturing economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration’s investments in American manufacturing and the game-changing clean energy package we passed last year, Michigan is a leader in creating high-skilled, good-paying jobs, bringing supply chains home, and reducing our reliance on foreign oil. We are making more clean, American energy here in Michigan, protecting our precious air, land, and lakes, and strengthening the future of our economy. Let’s keep getting it done to build a brighter future for Michigan.” 

According to the report, Michigan is home to 127,690 clean energy jobs, outpacing 44 states’ job numbers, with clean energy jobs continuing to grow nearly twice as fast as economy-wide employment. The 2024 EER report also highlighted Michigan’s position as a leader in overall energy sector job growth, behind only Texas and California. In addition to Michigan’s overall success, the city of Detroit was recognized as a top 10 city for clean energy jobs nationwide.   

The ninth annual Clean Jobs America report found that the total number of U.S. clean energy workers is now nearly 3.5 million, with clean energy jobs growing 200 percent faster than job growth economy wide across the nation. Since last year, clean energy jobs in the U.S. have grown 4.5 percent, adding nearly 150,000 jobs, driven by the Biden-Harris Investing in America Agenda. Clean energy jobs now encompass more than half of the jobs in the overall energy sector, outpacing the traditional energy sector. Energy efficiency jobs continue to account for the majority of clean energy jobs, followed by renewable energy and clean vehicle jobs.   

"Clean energy jobs are not only essential to building a more sustainable future for Michigan, but they are also fueling our state’s economy and creating opportunities for our workers," said Susan Corbin, Director of Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity. “These jobs are growing at twice the rate of overall employment, ensuring Michiganders are at the forefront of the clean energy transition. By continuing to invest in these sectors, we’re driving innovation, protecting our environment and securing good-paying jobs that will benefit generations to come. 

For additional insight into the 2024 Clean Jobs America report, including exploring the data via an interactive map, visit cleanjobsamerica.e2.org.  

Governor Whitmer’s Clean Energy Wins    

In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed historic clean energy legislation making Michigan a national leader in the fight against climate change. These laws lower household utility costs, create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and protect Michigan’s precious air, water, and public health. The clean energy bills deliver on the vision put forth in the governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which lays out a roadmap for Michigan’s clean energy future. These laws are expected to create thousands of jobs, drive household energy bills down by $297 a year, secure $15.6 billion in federal funding, and save $7.3 billion in public health costs.  

Other accomplishments include: 

• Launched the MI Healthy Climate Plan, to lower costs, create jobs, and make Michigan 100% carbon neutral by 2050. 
• Made Michigan the No. 1 state in landing clean energy projects from the Inflation Reduction Act, leveraging $26 billion and supporting over 21,000 jobs. 
• Signed bipartisan budgets investing millions in climate-resilient infrastructure, electric school buses, local renewable energy and electrification projects, and more.   
• Launched the EV Jobs Academy, MI Healthy Climate Corps, and other programs to upskill Michigan’s workforce for the jobs of the future.
• Led by example by deploying clean energy at state facilities and powering state government with 100% renewable energy.