Green Economy

HomeGreen Economy

The Labor Center’s Green Economy Program provides research and technical assistance on the workforce strategies needed to grow an equitable clean energy economy. We examine economic and labor market changes related to the energy transition, and we assess policy approaches that can ensure access to quality jobs and an adequate supply of skilled workers. Our work supports policymakers, businesses, unions, and community stakeholders who are engaged in the design and implementation of high-road policies and projects.

Spotlight

Research & Publications

View Testimony

September 24, 2025 -

The Labor Center’s Green Economy Program is growing!

We welcome two new senior researchers, Betony Jones and Josh Sonnenfeld.

April 10, 2025 -

Jessie HF Hammerling

States can still build from Biden’s wins on clean energy and jobs

States can act to preserve and advance President Biden’s most important accomplishment: a set of policies aimed at growing jobs in strategic clean energy sectors across the U.S. while supporting fair wages and equal access to employment.

January 14, 2025 -

Jessie HF Hammerling,Will ToaspernandLaura Schmahmann

Refining Transition: A Just Transition Economic Development Framework For Contra Costa County, California

In this report, we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Contra Costa as it prepares for the cascading effects of an energy transition that is already unfolding. We propose a just transition framework to guide an economic development strategy capable of addressing the specific challenges facing Contra Costa and setting the county on a path toward a more resilient, healthy, and equitable local economy.

September 25, 2024 -

UC Berkeley Labor Center

California Green Economy Public Funding Tracker

The California Green Economy Public Funding Tracker provides information on open funding opportunities from California state agencies related to climate, clean energy, and the workforce. It includes programs supported or administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Energy Commission (CEC), California Climate Investments, Strategic Growth Council, California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), and more.

March 25, 2024 -

UC Berkeley Labor Center

Factsheet: Workforce Standards for an Equitable Economy

California’s economy is growing, but millions of workers are being left behind. The state can do more to ensure every Californian has access to a family-sustaining career by incorporating workforce standards into public spending and regulations. This factsheet describes workforce standards and how policymakers can apply them in this critical moment for climate and infrastructure spending.

Climate Action Plan and Workforce Needs Assessment

Press Coverage

July 2, 2025 -

Commentary by Jessie HF Hammerlingand Virginia Parks in San Francisco Chronicle

In its rush to shutter oil and gas refineries, California risks abandoning workers and local communities

As the state navigates the energy transition, it needs a clear and comprehensive plan to provide real support for refinery workers and communities affected by closures.

June 12, 2025 -

Knee Deep Times

The Path to a Just Transition for Benicia’s Refinery Workers

“I have a lot of concerns about what will happen to the workers at Valero if it shuts down, based on the experiences of workers at Marathon Martinez, and the fact that the permanent workforce at Valero is not represented by a union,” Hammerling says.

May 28, 2025 -

Richmondside

Contra Costa refinery closures bring labor unions and green activists together

An unlikely alliance of labor and environmental-justice groups is working to ensure the region is prepared for a future without big oil.

May 13, 2025 -

Forbes

Job Market Challenges Revealed By Closing A California Oil Refinery

Last month, officials with Valero Energy announced they would be closing the company’s 170,000 barrels-per-day oil refinery in Benicia, California—a city of 25,000 residents, east of San Francisco. The plant, spread across 900 acres, employs over 400 workers, and is scheduled to close in April 2026.

April 27, 2025 -

San Francisco Chronicle

Politicians tout a ‘just transition’ to green jobs. For Benicia refinery workers, ‘that’s a farce’

“We do not currently have the plans in place to ensure a just transition, but we have learned a lot over the last couple of years about and learned from workers and communities who’ve been affected by closure so far about what a transition can and should look like and how to actually make it happen,” said Jessie Hammerling.