As Congress contemplates how to provide economic relief and create desperately needed employment opportunities for millions of Americans suffering as a result of the economic havoc spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers have the chance to ensure that we build back better, in ways that create millions of well-paying jobs, spur billions in economic growth, and advance a low-carbon economy. Research shows that smart climate action is not only good for but essential to economic growth. These objectives must go hand in hand.
One way Congress could immediately create millions of good jobs and provide relief to families struggling to pay energy bills, while simultaneously advancing a cleaner economy, is to dramatically increase funding to state energy efficiency and assistance programs. Expanding these programs can support the long backlog of “shovel-ready” projects and put people to work immediately in well-paying jobs. This is a winwin strategy with the ability to provide relief to households struggling financially, put millions of people to work, decrease energy costs to households and public budgets for years to come, and make a substantial contribution to a clean energy future.