California leading growth in nation’s green jobs economy

New green jobs sprouted faster than the overall workforce expanded in California and across the nation from 1998 to 2007, according to a study released Wednesday by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Even in the current economic downturn, investments in venture capital projects such as energy-efficiency programs and renewable energy are expected to continue expanding, fueled by billions of dollars in federal economic recovery grants, the research foundation predicted in its “Clean Energy Economy” report.

California led the nation in all categories measured. In 2007 alone, clean energy spurred the opening of 10,209 businesses with 125,390 jobs in the state. Venture capital investments in the Golden State totaled nearly $6.6 billion from 2006 to 2008, about five times greater than investments in runner-up Massachusetts.  Fields that will need more workers include clean energy production, energy efficiency, environmentally friendly manufacturing, and conservation and pollution control. Excerpts from Los Angeles Times 11/09.

This month, Standard BioDiesel expanded into Los Angeles County by leasing a land site to collect cooking oils from restaurant kitchens to process into biodiesel.  They plan on expanding to a larger land parcel within 12 months.

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