By Joe Curtatone – President, Alliance for Climate Transition

Dec 5, 2024

As a new federal administration prepares to take office, Americans wonder what lies ahead for climate policy. Recent exit polls show that economic concerns are top of mind, sending a clear message: we must double down on our efforts to emphasize climate policy as both an environmental imperative and a driver of economic opportunity. The climate transition cannot succeed if we fail to make the case that it will create financial security, revitalize communities, and create millions of high-quality jobs. This path can secure a better future for all Americans, but only if we communicate the direct economic benefits.

The CHIPS Act, Justice40 Initiative, Infrastructure Bill, and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) lay a strong foundation for economic growth in climate economy industries. But to fully unlock their potential, we need a cohesive, long-term vision focused on job creation and revenue generation in renewable energy, clean manufacturing, and resilient infrastructure. If we fail to capitalize on this opportunity, we will lose ground to competitors like China, who are already positioning themselves to dominate global markets for clean energy, particularly in regions across Africa and Latin America. America must lead the climate economy, or we risk ceding future growth and influence to other nations.

Investments in renewable energy can revitalize these regions, creating stable, well-paying jobs in sectors like wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage. This is even more important if tariffs are instituted, raising the price of delivering clean energy, which the consumer will have to absorb. Offshore wind (OSW) represents a prime example of climate policy driving economic revitalization. OSW offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reignite our maritime industries, creating thousands of new jobs and channeling billions of dollars into local economies. But to fully harness OSW’s potential, we need a robust domestic supply chain—a challenge that requires coordinated public and private efforts and significant investments in workforce training and technology.

The U.S. has already begun laying the groundwork for OSW infrastructure, especially in states like Massachusetts and New York. In Massachusetts, the Wind Technology Test Center near Boston leads in turbine innovation, while staging ports in New Bedford and Salem are prepared to handle OSW equipment. In New York, the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal serves as another critical staging point, supporting OSW logistics along the East Coast. A significant milestone has also been reached with the construction of the first Jones Act-compliant OSW turbine installation vessel, which will allow U.S. companies and workers to construct and maintain wind farms domestically—creating jobs and reducing dependence on foreign resources.

However, these developments are only the beginning. To compete globally, the U.S. must build out every layer of the OSW ecosystem, from manufacturing to skilled labor. Europe and Asia have already shown that success in this sector requires strong public-private partnerships, investment incentives, and supportive financing. By following their lead, we can establish a resilient, U.S.-based OSW supply chain that fuels our economy, keeps jobs on American soil, and prevents countries like China from monopolizing the global renewable energy market.

OSW is just one part of the renewable energy landscape. The battery and solar industries are also ready for expansion but face challenges, such as new tariffs on imported solar products. Without a strong domestic manufacturing base for solar panels, the industry risks stagnation, which could jeopardize our clean energy goals. To remain competitive, maintain jobs, and support growth, we must invest in solar manufacturing and create policies that incentivize production within the U.S. By strengthening our solar manufacturing base, just as we are with OSW, we can create a pipeline of steady, high-quality jobs and protect our industries from volatile global trade conditions.

To realize the full economic potential of the climate transition, we must position clean energy and infrastructure as key pathways to economic prosperity for all Americans. This requires a comprehensive approach. First, states should prioritize workforce training programs to prepare Americans for jobs in OSW, solar, battery storage, and other clean energy sectors. Second, we need policies that invest in regional supply chains, allowing local economies to benefit directly from renewable energy projects. Public-private partnerships should also be encouraged and strengthened to drive innovation in clean technologies, from advanced turbines to solar technology. Lastly,  philanthropic foundations must continue to lean in providing catalytic capital for emerging technologies, supporting policy research, workforce development programs, and community-based climate initiatives that help ensure an equitable transition.

It’s equally important that we communicate these benefits to the public. Climate action isn’t only about reducing emissions—it’s about creating sustainable livelihoods, boosting family incomes, and revitalizing towns that have long suffered economic decline. With climate-focused manufacturing and clean energy jobs, we can uplift American families, protect our environment, and build a resilient, equitable economy.

Joe Curtatone is president of the Alliance for Climate Transition in Somerville.

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