All In: Building a Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive Energy Workforce
As the United States prepares for the energy transition, a renewed focus has been placed on workforce diversity in the energy industry.
While the energy sector itself is booming with billions in new investments and job growth, Black and Hispanic/Latino workers are underrepresented in clean energy versus the rest of the economy, according to the 2023 Energy and Employment Report by the U.S. Department of Energy. Black workers made up only 9 percent of the clean energy workforce, compared with 13 percent of the nation’s workforce. Women represent less than 30 percent of all workers in the sector despite accounting for nearly half of the overall U.S. labor force. And while the energy workforce is trending younger, turnover is also highest among the 23-37 age group, accounting for a majority of the industry’s attrition rate, according to the Center for Energy Workforce Development.
What can companies in the energy sector do to focus on the inclusion and retention of younger workers, women and underrepresented ethnic and racial groups? What role should the government play in enacting policy solutions to build more equitable workplaces? How can communities stay engaged and participate in these efforts? And where does equity, access and affordability of energy factor into plans for the industry at large?
Join The Hill to answer these questions and more in an intimate discussion on workforce diversity and why a more inclusive clean energy sector is good for both the planet and business.
LOCATION
The Park at 14th, 920 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
DATE & TIME
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM ET
Speaker:
- Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-SC), House Assistant Democratic Leader
Moderator:
- Cheyanne M. Daniels, Race & Politics Reporter, The Hill
Sponsor Perspective:
- Chris Womack, President & CEO, Southern Company
- Joe Ruffolo, SVP & General Manger, The Hill
Have a question? Tweet us @TheHillEvents using #TheHillDEI
Sponsor:
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services.
Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more.
