NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — A study released this week on employment in the U.S. energy sector shows that America’s ethanol industry employs a significantly larger share of military veterans than any other segment of the energy industry.
19% of ethanol industry employees are veterans, compared to the national average of 6% across all sectors of the workforce.
“The results of this study come as no surprise to us,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, an Army veteran who attained the rank of Captain. “The ethanol industry is a perfect fit for thousands of veterans across the country. After serving our country in uniform, we have chosen to work in the renewable fuels industry because it allows us to continue honoring a commitment to make America stronger and more independent.
Per 100 workers, the ethanol industry employs more than twice as many veterans as the petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, coal, and wind energy sectors. Across all energy segments, veterans comprise 9% of the U.S. energy sector’s workforce, slightly above the national average.
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