Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Tonight, 12 Democrats will take the stage in Ohio, a state that, despite common misperception, is central to the clean energy transition happening across the country. When it comes to clean energy, Ohio:
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Is ranked eighth in the nation with more than 112,000 clean energy jobs
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Clean energy job creation jumped 4.6% in just the past year, a full percentage point higher than the national average
Ohioans -- including conservative voters -- recognize the potential of clean energy jobs.
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A poll out shows that more than six in ten Ohioans believe developing renewable energy is the top priority for addressing the state’s energy needs
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According to the same poll, nearly 70% believe a 100% clean energy portfolio will improve their health
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Meanwhile, a separate poll of conservative Ohioans showed a clear support -- 70% -- want at least 50% of their power to come from renewable sources
It’s why Democrats on stage tonight would be wise to tout clean energy and the need to invest in it.
Nationally, poll after poll shows overwhelming support for clean energy -- all while the industry is driving our economy, with jobs in clean energy growing faster than any other in the field over the past decade. The latest Sierra Club/ Morning Consult poll finds that:
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Powering the nation with 100% clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar by the year 2030 or sooner receives 87% of likely Democratic voters support, including 60% who support it “strongly.”
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A comprehensive national plan to tackle the twin crises of climate change and inequality by investing in the clean energy economy and transforming our energy system receives 86% of likely Democratic voters support, including 56% who support it “strongly.”
As clean energy jobs drive our economy and enjoys overwhelming public support, Donald Trump is spreading absurd conspiracy theories about the sector and he and his administration are working overtime to prop up the fossil fuel industry. This includes seeking to undo the clean car standards.
Ohio, a hub of auto manufacturing and jobs adjacent to the industry, would be devastated by Trump’s rollback or flatlining of the clean car standards.
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According to a study on the 2017-2025 clean car standards, they can create 100,000 more jobs by 2025, and 250,000 by 2035.
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In Ohio today, there are 80 factories and facilities, supporting more than 27,700 workers focusing on improving fuel economy for vehicles on the road today.
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An analysis by the Blue Green Alliance shows that Donald Trump’s attacks would mean between 89,000 and 202,000 of tomorrow’s jobs would by lost or foregone.
America -- spurred by states like Ohio -- is transitioning to 100% clean energy, generating hundreds of thousands of jobs. The people see this and overwhelmingly support the transition, yet Donald Trump is working to undermine these efforts and kill jobs. Democrats would be wise to highlight clean energy jobs -- both to tackle the climate crisis and grow the economy.
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Paid for by Sierra Club Political Committee, www.sierraclub.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. |
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.