Gov. Whitmer discussed renewable energy with a student from Traverse City Central High School in April. | Traverse City Central High School/Facebook
Gov. Whitmer discussed renewable energy with a student from Traverse City Central High School in April. | Traverse City Central High School/Facebook
Michigan has facilitated the most energy job growth in the country, according to the U.S. Energy and Employment Jobs Report.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently made the proclamation after Michigan’s energy sector added 35,463 jobs from 2020 to 2021, according to a Michigan government news release.
“Michigan’s economy is on the move. Unemployment is low, small business growth is booming, and we had strong job growth last year. This report shows that Michigan is number one in the nation, adding over 35,000 good-paying energy jobs,” Whitmer said in the release.
“When we invest in the future of mobility and clean energy and face climate change head-on, we can create tens of thousands of jobs, build prosperity in every region of our state and ensure that we remain competitive for future business investment and economic development. I will work with anyone to keep growing Michigan’s economy and energy sector,” she said.
The state’s 393,207 energy workers account for 5% of all the country’s energy jobs, and Michigan’s job growth is 10% more than any state.
“This report confirms what we already know – Michigan continues to be the number one state to live, work and play,” Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said. “We are committed to making sure everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed in these in-demand, rewarding careers in the energy sector and beyond – building a talent pool that’s second to none and driving the talent to meet employer needs.”
By 2025, all state facilities will run on renewable energy in the form, along with providing electric vehicle charging stations on state-owned property, according to the release.
"This report shows that Michigan has a competitive edge in advanced energy and a vibrant industry that continues to create well-paying jobs,” Dr. Laura Sherman, president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, said. “We must continue to establish supportive policies, set ambitious goals, and invest in training and infrastructure to ensure that the advanced energy industry continues to grow and thrive in our state."
Much of the energy job growth can be attributed to a series of bipartisan legislation that Whitmer supported.
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