Investing in clean energy has become a priority for many congressional Democrats and Republicans alike. The Energy Commission, the principal administrator of California's public-interest research programs, is committed to making its investments through a public and transparent process. While much work remains to be done to put the United States on a path to recovery and to a 100% clean and stronger economy, investments in clean energy are a vital step. The Energy Commission's research investments are attracting additional funding from the public and private sectors. At least 25 percent of EPIC technology demonstration and implementation funds are allocated to projects located in disadvantaged communities that benefit them, and an additional 10 percent to projects located in and that benefit low-income communities.
The economic benefits of investing in clean energy are clear, but the climate and health benefits make it an even more resounding success. A study found that investments in clean energy create three times more jobs than an equivalent investment in fossil fuels. These investments support advances in energy efficiency, renewable energy, storage technologies, energy-related environmental protection, transmission and distribution, and transportation technology. A large investment in clean energy, clean transport, energy efficient deployment and R&D can generate substantial benefits on employment growth and the reduction of emissions. Many politicians and federal candidates are already realizing the preponderance of evidence that justifies investments in clean energy and are responding with serious and ambitious proposals.
Every dollar of investment in renewable energy creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry. The Energy Commission supports the modernization of California's energy system by investing in science and technology that align with the state's policy objectives. The Food Production Investment Program is part of California Climate Investments, a state initiative that allocates billions of dollars of ceilings and carbon trading to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, strengthen the economy and improve public health and the environment, especially in disadvantaged communities.
