Clean Energy Sector Shed More Than 100,000 Jobs in March

The great recession led to major gains in the clean energy sector, but so far, clean energy workers are struggling like everyone else.

1 minute read

April 27, 2020, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Environmental Justice

andyparker72 / Shutterstock

"Clean energy jobs in the US are being wiped out on a massive scale by the economic shutdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic," reports Tim McDonnell, sharing new data from the advocacy and research group Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). 

"At least 106,400 jobs in the clean energy sector—for builders of electric vehicles, installers of solar panels, energy efficiency retrofitters, and more—were lost in March alone, the analysis found."

The clean energy sector working in connection with the construction industry, and both the construction and design sectors were already showing signs of major distress in March.


Monday, April 20, 2020 in Quartz

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Green electric Volkswagen van against a beach backdrop.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

March 3, 2025 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of smart phone with USDOT website open.

USDOT Eliminates Environmental, Equity Considerations

A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.

March 13 - Smart Cities Dive

Two people waiting to board arriving bus on a snowy day.

Study: Drops in Transit Ridership Linked to Extreme Weather

Unsurprisingly, people are less likely to use transit during extreme weather events, which are becoming more common around the country.

March 13 - Streetsblog USA

Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington.

Washington State May Cap Rent Increases at 7 Percent

House Bill 1217 was passed by the House and will move next to the state Senate.

March 13 - Washington State Standard

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.