Renewable Energy Has Not Killed Coal-Fired Power Plants
A reader notes:
Over the last 10 years or so the number of coal industry jobs has fallen approximately due to automation, not solar or other advancements in clean energy. Yes, the few jobs left may be threatened by solar, but its time is over, and again, most of it has already disappeared.
Thanks for this. This is the way I look at it too.
The politicians who promise to expand the coal industry are simply revealing that they will do or say anything for a vote, regardless of how devastating its overall effects may be. Personally, I have more respect for literal prostitutes, engaged, as they are, in the world’s oldest profession.
Craig,
One very valid consideration here: You had – in your previous post – brought up the fact that there are 6.5 million jobs internationally related to renewable energy. That’s still a drop in the bucket compared to the fossil industries, but it’s growing.
It would be nice if, in table B-1 of the establishment report, specifically added a line item under the utilities category, the manufacturing category, and the retail trade category linked to “renewable energy” at large.
It wouldn’t surprise me if we in America were hovering around 200,000 jobs in the green energy fields – which isn’t bad, and it would be useful material for political talking points if the “green energy jobs” suddenly dropped or climbed after certain legislation either was passed or allowed to sunset.