Job growth in US linked to GHG regulations, claims new study

A 10 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from all fuel usage over the next 10 years could benefit the economy and see an increase in jobs in the US, according to a study released by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM).

The study, "Economic Analysis of a Program to Promote Clean Transportation Fuels in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region," covering emissions trends over 11 states, calls for a clean fuels standard (CFS) - “a fuel-neutral, market-based program” -  that “would allow all fuels to compete based on their greenhouse gas impacts and costs.”

The study claims there would be significant growth in employment opportunities and increased economic output by the tenth year of the CFS scheme. It is expected the standard would limit pollution levels from common fuels such as propane, kerosene, gas, petroleum and wood, avoiding regulating which fuels are actually used.

The NESCAUM report has also pushed the need to further pursue low carbon fuels which “would reduce carbon emissions and those of other harmful pollutants, enhance energy independence and reduce vulnerability to price swings in imported petroleum, and create jobs in the region.”

The study claims that by the tenth year:

• Employment growth will have increased by 9,490 to 50,700 jobs.
• Gross regional product will grow from 2.1 billion to 4.9 billion.
• Petrol and diesel demand will have drops 12 to 29 per cent.
• Carbon emissions from transportation will have fallen by 5 to 9 per cent.

The report release comes after several opposing party presidential candidates have criticised the Environmental Protection Agency and other organisations, arguing an increase in government regulation will stall growth in an increasingly stagnant economy.

However, according to a joint report by the NRDC, the United Auto Workers Union and the National Wildlife Federation, research and development into green production methods in the automotive industry and increases in fuel standards have already created 155,000 jobs across the US.

Article by Diva Rodriguez | Climate Action