Hydropower and Marine Energy Industry Workers

Hydropower is an important renewable energy resource because of its abundance and ability to produce electricity inexpensively without harmful emissions. Employment in the hydropower industry will grow if the U.S. government establishes a renewable electricity standard, a regulation that requires the production of more energy from renewable energy resources such as hydropower and solar and wind energy. Approximately 30 states have a renewable electricity standard, but there is no federal standard. A study conducted by Navigant Consulting for the National Hydropower Association found that 1.4 million jobs could be created by hydropower by 2025 if a national renewable electricity standard and other industry-friendly policies are implemented.