Clean Energy Jobs & Standards

Georgia’s clean energy boom is already bringing good jobs, from Qcells in Dalton to the Hyundai EV plant near Savannah. To keep that momentum going, we need more training and career pathways so Georgians, not just out-of-state contractors, are the ones building this future. At the same time, clear standards are needed to make sure companies treat workers fairly and customers aren’t misled, so that clean energy growth benefits every community.

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Georgia is already a national leader in solar and EV manufacturing, but the demand for skilled workers is growing fast. Continuing to expand training programs builds career pathways so more Georgians can reap the reward of the state’s clean energy boom.

  • Summary: Established Colorado’s Just Transition Office to help coal workers and communities transition to new job opportunities in clean industries.
  • Why It Matters for Georgia: Communities in Northwest Georgia that depend on fossil fuel jobs could benefit from a similar office to help workers train for careers in solar, wind, or battery manufacturing.
  • Status: Enacted

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  • Summary: Created workforce hubs to provide clean energy training and job placement for underserved communities, with a focus on equity and inclusion.
  • Why It Matters for Georgia: A similar initiative could help rural and urban frontline communities across Georgia access training for stable clean energy jobs.
  • Status: Enacted

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  • Summary: Created the Virginia Solar Energy Development Authority to grow the solar industry and expand the state’s clean energy workforce.
  • Why It Matters for Georgia: Georgia could boost solar job growth in South Georgia by creating a dedicated authority to expand the industry and workforce.
  • Status: Enacted

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As coal plants close, especially in places like Milledgeville and Albany, workers and communities need new opportunities. A just transition ensures Georgia’s clean energy boom benefits everyone, not just growing industries.

  • Summary: Requires utilities to invest in clean energy workforce training, using non-compliance penalties to fund equitable job opportunities in impacted communities.
  • Why It Matters for Georgia: A similar approach could ensure Georgia’s clean energy transition doesn’t leave behind workers in coal, gas, or industrial communities while creating new pathways to employment.
  • Status: Enacted

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  • Summary: The state allocated $105 million to support a renewable energy battery manufacturing plant, creating 750 new local jobs.
  • Why It Matters for Georgia: Georgia could adopt similar state-supported investments to attract clean energy manufacturing bringing high-quality jobs to rural or economically struggling communities. We’ve already witnessed the state become a leader in bringing electric vehicle manufacturing to the state, and adopting more state investment is key as the situation in the nations capital changes. 
  • Status: Enacted

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As Georgia continues to become a clean energy juggernaut, families and communities need a strong voice in decisions like the integrated resource plan (IRP) process that shape bills and affordability. Protecting consumers means Georgians aren’t preyed upon with unfair cost nor by scammers looking to exploit communities.  

  • Summary: Would have required rooftop solar installers to be certified by the Public Service Commission, with background checks, financial accountability, and clear contract disclosures.
  • Why It Matters for Georgia: HB 73 was introduced after widespread reports of scams in Georgia’s solar market,  from false ads like “free solar,” to oversized systems with unrealistic savings, to shady companies vanishing after installations. With rooftop solar growing fast, Georgia urgently needs protections like this to safeguard families and rebuild trust in clean energy.
  • Status: Died (stalled in Senate)

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  • Summary: Requires solar sales reps to be licensed and insured, bans deceptive contracts, and sets strong penalties — including higher fines when seniors are targeted.
  • Why It Matters for Georgia: Right now, solar sales in Georgia are almost completely unregulated, leaving families with little protection if misled. Adopting protections like Texas would quickly close this gap, stop predatory sales, and protect vulnerable homeowners across the state.
  • Status: Enacted (effective September 1, 2025)

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  • Summary: Requires solar salespeople to be W-2 employees instead of 1099 contractors, mandates good-faith estimates of energy production, and requires clear financial terms for customers.
  • Why It Matters for Georgia: As Georgia’s solar industry grows, too many jobs risk being unstable, with contractors hired on short-term or misleading terms. Following Utah’s lead would professionalize solar work, protect workers, and give families more reliable service.
  • Status: Enacted

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Acknowledgements

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper