State Policy is Key in Green Tech Job Growth
Posted June 20th, 2014
As a green job seeker you are probably wondering – what is the primary factor driving job growth in this sector? Is it the changing face of environmentalism? Is private sector investment the largest creator of new opportunities? How much do federal policies affect green employment?
All of those factors matter, but you might be surprised to learn that state policy affects the volume and character of green employment in hugely significant ways. Just consider that New Jersey – not Florida, Nevada, or Arizona – is the second most solar-powered state in America. Sustainability is a priority everywhere, all states comply by federal laws, and private investment has no local barriers, and yet some states are flush with green jobs while others are not. Here’s why:
State Policies Promotes Renewable Energy
State policy can influence or even mandate the increased use of renewable energy sources. Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) require electrical providers to rely on renewable sources for a certain percentage of the total output. Public funds can also be used to raise money for the development of new renewable sources. Other financial incentives like grants, loans, rebates, and tax credits are also in the mix. If they feel so compelled, the states can make the promotion of renewable energy a very appealing proposition.
State Policy Can Mandate Energy Efficiency
States have the power to set building codes, giving them a powerful mechanism to promote sustainable development. Regulating levels of water, gas, and electric consumption in new construction bolsters countless green industries. Washington, for example, requires, building owners to audit their energy used and report the findings. That has created new jobs for auditors, and for contractors that have the green credentials to reduce consumption levels.
State Policy Attracts Green Industries
State policy has a major affect on the makeup of the state economy. Using incentives like tax credits and enterprise zones, state policy can encourage green industries to relocate or get established in one area rather than another. Recent history is filled with countless examples of states that have succeeded in attracting and promoting specific industries, and green industries are ripe for this kind of commitment. The states that offer the largest incentives will see huge growth in the level of green employment.
If you are looking for a green job, keep in mind where you are looking. In the same way that states can promote green development, they can discourage it. You may be hunting for a job in a state that stubbornly lags behind the times. Rely on the staffing experts at Bayside Solutions to help you focus your job search where it will really count.
