The economic impact of the continuing global shift to clean energy cannot be understated, from its historic output only last month, outpacing coal for the first time; to several big companies from various industries turning to renewables for power generation.

Several factors, including declining costs and innovative technologies, contribute to the growing demand for renewable energy. This demand spurs economic growth and transformative policies, especially at the state level. Legislative milestones such as Maryland’s Clean Energy Jobs Act will empower businesses, including those owned by women and minorities, as well as create more jobs—high-paying jobs, especially in the offshore wind industry—to skilled workers, including former coal miners and workers, as well as veterans.

This high employment boom in the offshore wind industry grows the demand for developing educational and research programs, and conducting job trainings for high school and college students for local jobs in the industry. They will be joining the 3 million-strong workforce in the renewable energy sector.

The Department of Energy spearheads specialized training programs on renewable energy sources across the country in at least 32 states. In Maryland, Frostburg State University  offers an education program on “design, installation, and maintenance of residential electric generation systems using photovoltaic (PV) solar modules and/or small wind turbines.” In addition, the Maryland Energy Administration also launched the Offshore Wind Workforce Development Grant Program last year, which “provides grant funding on a competitive basis to ensure Maryland has a ready and able workforce capable of contributing to the construction, installation, and operations and maintenance of an offshore wind energy project.”

These programs will greatly benefit the economy and lives of many Americans, giving them access not only to clean energy resources but also careers in a growing industry.