A report by the state of Pennsylvania showed that clean energy jobs grew tremendously between 2017 and 2019, recording a whopping 8.7% growth (about 7,800 jobs) compared with the 1.9% general growth across the state.

Other energy sectors, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy, recorded massive job losses of about 3.3%, 7.4%, and 4.5% during the same period.

The report showed that Pennsylvania's clean energy sector has more than 97,000 jobs, which include jobs in energy efficiency, energy generation, energy transportation, storage, and fuel categories. One-third of these jobs are concentrated in the state's large cities in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Allegheny counties. 

Governor Wolf anticipates joining ten other states in the Regional Greenhouse gas Initiative. The program aims at minimizing carbon emissions and will likely create more job opportunities for Pennsylvanians.

However, some criticize this move, arguing that it will cause job losses in the coal industry.

The clean energy report also showed a considerable deficit, indicating that 80% of employers found it challenging to find qualified labor. According to David Althoff, director of the Energy Programs Office within the Department of Environmental Protection, workforce training programs are essential in helping the state meet its climate goals.

Generally, Pennsylvania advocates for clean energy to create jobs, boost economic growth and protect the environment. However, the report also showed the median wages for workers in the clean energy sector, ranging from $12.55 for photovoltaic installers to about $50 for construction managers. As the jobs do not pay as much as the oil industry, it gives Pennsylvanians something to consider. 

Should Pennsylvania raise the wages for clean energy jobs to encourage more people to move into the field?