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Federal Rollbacks Threaten 30,000 Clean Energy Jobs in Massachusetts - Massachusetts could lose 30,000 clean energy jobs and $3 billion in wages over the next decade as federal incentives for solar, wind, and other renewables face cuts.
30,000 clean energy jobs and $3 billion in wages are at risk in Massachusetts over the next decade as the federal government rolls back incentives that support wind, solar, and other clean energy technologies.
This is a blow to one of the oldest and strongest solar states in the U.S., and one where clean energy has become one of its fastest-growing industries.
Today, the clean energy sector supports over 115,000 jobs in Massachusetts alone, and it plays a key role in keeping our grid stable, clean, and affordable.
That growth didn’t happen overnight. It came from decades of consistent state policy, local innovation, and strong local and federal incentives—especially from the Inflation Reduction Act.
And now - Projects are starting to stall. Hiring is freezing. Companies are pulling back.
New Leaf Energy just laid off 41 of its 217 employees—nearly 20% of its workforce—citing the loss of the federal Investment Tax Credit for solar and wind projects, which hasn’t even occurred yet. Even with a strong pipeline and solid financials, the company says it had to act fast to prepare for a market where clean energy faces a steeper uphill climb. What is going to happen to the sector when the ITC ends?
And it’s happening during a time of record electricity demand and even higher demand forecasts. We're pulling back from some of the fastest, lowest-cost ways to bring new power online. These resources improve grid reliability and deliver long-term savings to communities.
Should we be cutting support and killing jobs when clean energy is the one that actually lowering costs, reducing emissions, and creating more jobs?
Massachusetts has strong local programs like net metering and SMART. But without federal support, they’re swimming upstream. This isn’t just a state issue, federal policies have a significant influence on markets, drive investment decisions, and long-term growth. If we step back nationally, we don’t just slow progress—we risk losing the gains we’ve already made.
Are we really going to scale back support just as clean energy is creating jobs, lowering bills, and making the grid more reliable? What happens to the people, projects, and progress already in motion?
Curious how others are thinking about this shift.
Author: Yogev Toby