Use this map to explore how energy workforce programs integrate and prioritize underrepresented or disadvantaged workers in different states. This map and NASEO's research into state workforce diversity strategies is graciously supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’' Office of Economic Impact and Diversity. To add a program, policy, or publication to this map, please email Sandy Fazeli (sfazeli@naseo.org).

While state and federal governments have passed legislation and rules to prevent unfair employment practices, workforce diversity is often perceived as the responsibility of and an opportunity for private sector employers. Certainly, there is an important business case for employers to diversify their workforce: on average, companies that lack racial, ethnic, and gender representation exhibit poorer financial performance and report lower innovation revenue compared to their more diverse counterparts.

Yet, workforce diversity shortfalls also hold profound public policy implications for governments, including for the achievement of State Energy Offices’ energy, climate, and economic development goals. And while the U.S. energy sector has been an engine for economic growth and job creation, supporting millions of workers across the country, the energy workforce is not representative of the communities and markets it serves.

As policymaking bodies and conveners, State Energy Offices are well-positioned to inform energy, climate, and economic development policies, programs, and investments with a deeper understanding of the experiences of those who have been historically underrepresented in the workforce. To address this need, NASEO has partnered with a variety of thought leaders to promote exchanges, awareness-raising, and partnership-building in support of energy workforce diversity, access, and inclusion.

Publications

NASEO has partnered with the Energy Futures Initiative, BW Research Partnership, the U.S. Department of Energy, and a wide variety of state, local, industry, and philanthropic partners to support seminal publications about the size, composition, and trends in the U.S. energy workforce:

Meetings and Events

NASEO has partnered with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Community Development Action Coalition (CDAC), with support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, to facilitate discussions and partnerships in energy sector workforce diversity.

  • Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Workforce: Eliminating Barriers and Creating Opportunities for Enter Energy and STEM Careers through Innovative State-Academic Partnerships (May 13-14, 2021 – click here for meeting recordings)
  • The Energy Workforce Landscape and Outlooks for Clean Energy Funding (December 14, 2021 – click here for meeting recording)
  • State Energy Office-Minority Serving Institution Partnerships for Clean Energy Infrastructure and Workforce Development (January 11, 2022 – click here for meeting recording)
  • The Role of Community Colleges and Two-Year Institutions in Energy Sector Workforce Development (April 13, 2022 - click here for meeting recording)
  • Employer, Community, and Policymaker Approaches to Clean Energy Workforce Diversity and Inclusion (September 6, 2022)