And for all of America's work in clean-tech, most of its products are sold overseas.

ECONOMIST: America's clean-tech clusters

Japan, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Denmark and a host of other international competitors are also fast at work building domestic clean energy industries with a multifaceted focus on innovation, manufacturing, and markets.

FORBES: With Stimulus Nearing End, Will U.S. Keep Clean Energy Momentum Going?

If the sequester is allowed to go forward, thousands of Americans who work in fields like national security, education or clean energy are likely to be laid off.

WHITEHOUSE: Weekly Address: Averting the Sequester and Finding a Balanced Approach to Deficit Reduction | The White House