Report: Clean energy bill would produce jobs, boost economy

As clean energy and climate legislation moves through Congress, new data show that a $2.9 billion investment would create 36,000 new jobs in Missouri. According to the analysis, shifting to a clean-energy economy will help millions of low-income Americans by creating more accessible job opportunities -- with the potential for advancement -- and by lowering utility bills and transportation costs.

The two studies come from four political analysis groups: Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Center for American Progress, Green For All, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The outcome outlines how investment in a clean-energy economy would produce significant economic and job creation benefits.

"Clean energy investments are a win-win proposition for all of us, but especially for low income families," said Ruth Roetheli Ehresman, Director of Health and Budget Policy at the Missouri Budget Project, which advances public policies that improve economic opportunities for all Missourians, particularly low and middle income families. "They will benefit through increased access to jobs that can be a stepping stone out of poverty, as well as through decreased energy costs and better public transportation."

"Green Prosperity: How Clean-Energy Policies Can Fight Poverty and Raise Living Standards in the United States" from the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (PERI), Natural Resources Defense Council, and Green For All shows that shifting from traditional fossil fuel to clean energy will improve the standard of living for millions of Americans across all skill and education levels, especially among lower-income families.