Pennsylvania, with its prominent coal and expanding natural gas industries, is often noted as an energy leader, but not necessarily a leader in clean energy. Now, a recent report from Pew Trusts’ Clean Energy Initiative has highlighted Pennsylvania and seven other states for their clean energy policies and expanding economies. 

The report specifically recognized state tax incentives, loans and grants that encourage manufacturers, businesses and individuals to switch to clean energy. The $3.5 million in private investment has lead to more jobs in the clean-energy sector. In 2011, the state ranked fourth for offering 136,000 jobs in energy and the environment. The majority of that expansion has been in wind and hydropower energy. Pennsylvania's wind turbines can produce enough energy to power 300,000 households. 

In 2004, the state committed to replacing 8 percent of its electricity with renewable energy, like wind, solar or hydroelectric power, by 2021. At that time, the state also committed shifting 10 percent of its energy usage to "advanced energy technology," whether clean burning or not.