Geography, Equity and the Energy Transition

A geographer explores the impact of location on worker opportunity and equity in the clean energy economy.

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The Inflation Reduction Act earmarks hundreds of billions of dollars for clean energy and the development of jobs in the clean energy supply chain, construction and operations. Critically, the law also acknowledges that the transition to clean energy presents a generational opportunity to address labor inequities that are rooted in race and gender, as well as the often overlooked element of geography.

Nikki Luke, an assistant professor of Geography at the University of Tennessee, explores how state-level labor policies have contributed to geographic labor inequities that, if they persist, could limit access to quality jobs across the new energy economy. She also looks at local models to support inclusivity, and the role of organized labor in the energy transition.

Nikki Luke is an assistant professor of Geography at the University of Tennessee.

Related Content

Gender Baseline Assessment of Energy Compacts https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/gender-baseline-assessment-of-energy-compacts/

Energy Transition and Opportunity in the Oil Patch https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/podcast/energy-transition-and-opportunity-in-the-oil-patch/

Organized Labor Sees Promise in Transition to Clean Energy https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/podcast/organized-labor-sees-promise-in-transition-to-clean-energy/

Energy Policy Now is produced by The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. For all things energy policy, visit kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu

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