Climate Jobs in the News

May 18, 2025

Commentary: Training that opens doors

Myeisha Cook, Chicago Tribune 

The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is taking big first steps to help more women and minorities break into these great careers, but we can’t afford to lose momentum.

May 18, 2025

The Building Trades Want to Save the IRA

Paul Prescod, Jacobin

The Inflation Reduction Act has helped create good union jobs in the clean energy sector. Republicans want to derail this progress to pay for tax cuts for the rich. The building trades are starting to fight back, and environmentalists should join them.

May 7, 2025

Commentary: Let’s protect federal clean energy investments

Jim Soosik, Planet Detroit 

In Detroit, the IBEW Local 58 union hall stands as a beacon of sustainability, illustrating how federal clean energy investments can foster good union jobs and significantly cut energy consumption, says business manager Jim Soosik.

May 4, 2025

Commentary: Maine can’t risk falling behind on green energy

Riley MacDonald, Portland Press Herald

I never made enough money where I could envision buying a home. Working in solar changed that for me.

April 28, 2025

Susan Collins and unions try to save massive Maine battery project

Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News

The potential loss of federal tax credits for the Lincoln battery storage project has brought together an intriguing alliance to back it: Democratic-aligned labor unions and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the top appropriator in the chamber.

April 25, 2025

Maine building trade unions urge Congress to protect federal energy tax credits

Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz

Representatives of Maine labor unions are urging federal lawmakers to continue their support of federal clean energy tax credits that received long-term extensions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

April 23, 2025

Maine union workers call on Congress to protect federal clean energy tax credit

AnnMarie Hilton, Maine Morning Star

Rep. Kilton Webb joined other union workers at the State House Wednesday morning to call on Congress to protect the federal tax credits for energy development that have kept him and others living and working in Maine.

April 23, 2025

Union workers ask Congress to keep funding tax credits they say expands workforce

Keenan Mills, WABI 5

Union workers and representatives met in Augusta Wednesday to call on Congress to continue tax credits which they say are expanding the workforce in the state.

April 22, 2025

Long Island Earth Day rally draws diverse crowd of pro-offshore wind activists

Desiree D’Iorio, WSHU

Labor leaders, green energy groups, fishermen and marine life protectionists marked Earth Day with a rally urging the federal government to reverse its stop-work order for Empire Wind.

April 21, 2025

Clean Energy Tax Credits Gain Bipartisan Support Amid Budget Debate

Jeff Young, Newsweek

As Congress debates budget bills proposing deep cuts in federal spending, Biden-era tax credits for clean energy have gained crucial support among some Republican lawmakers and voters.

April 17, 2025

Why Unions Can Be Key to Projects Getting Permits

Jael Holzman, Heatmap

A conversation with Mike Barnwell of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights about the role labor unions could play in influencing renewables policy decisions, from the labor permitting office to the fate of the Inflation Reduction Act.

April 16, 2025

Commentary: To protect Colorado families, Congress must protect clean energy credits

Dennis Dougherty, Daniel Mondragon, Les Thompson and Zack Esquibel, The Durango Herald 

Costs are high everywhere these days, and skyrocketing energy bills are throwing a wrench in the finances of too many families in Colorado. We’re caught in the crosshairs of economic breakdown and uncertainty, and it is more crucial than ever to lower energy costs and provide good-paying jobs for Coloradans.

April 7, 2025

MI clean energy projects await clarity on federal tax credits

Chrystal Blair, Public News Service

Trenton is set to become home to the region’s largest battery storage facility but federal policy changes might change how it’s funded. The DTE Trenton Channel Energy Center would use clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act but proposed federal cuts threaten the tax credits.

March 26, 2025

Commentary: State’s energy future hanging in the balance

James Harrison, The Detroit News

The new clean energy jobs that are coming to our community need to be as good as the coal jobs were, with family-supporting wages and good benefits. I have hope that we can get there due to the historic clean energy investments that are coming through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

March 24, 2025

Commentary: Protect clean energy investments

Yanel Greene, Bangor Daily News

As a union ironworker in Bangor, I see firsthand how federal clean energy incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act have made a real difference for working families here in Maine.

March 19, 2025

Commentary: Retain clean energy incentives

Donna Patrina, Observer-Reporter

Pennsylvania’s working families deserve every opportunity to succeed. Thanks to federal clean energy investments, we are seeing real progress – new projects, good-paying union jobs, and lower energy costs for families.

March 14, 2025

Commentary: Harming offshore wind undermines prosperity

Patrick Crowley, Providence Business Journal

Offshore wind is more than a clean energy solution. It’s a lifeline for New England’s economy, a critical pillar to American energy independence and a pathway to a more resilient future.

February 28, 2025

Texans encouraged to ‘decarbonize’ buildings to fight climate change

Freda Ross, Public News Service

School districts and county governments across Texas are being encouraged to consider building decarbonization to combat climate change.

February 21, 2025

Apprenticeship program holds first graduation

KVUE

On Friday, the first graduates of the Texas Construction Career Pathways Program celebrated their achievement.

February 18, 2025

Workers in climate change and clean energy-related jobs make new push to unionize in Colorado

Anusha Roy, Denver 7 ABC

Workers in climate change and clean energy-related jobs are the latest group trying to unionize in Colorado.

February 4, 2025

Commentary: Principles of faith and labor must guide how we build a sustainable energy economy

Angela Ferritto, Rob Bair, and Rabbi Marc Aaron Kline, PennLive

Pennsylvania has a tremendous opportunity to revitalize our economy and communities by building a new clean energy economy with good union jobs.

February 2, 2025

Your Future, Our Energy: Union-Backed Lightning Plan Sparks a Clean Job Revolution in Pennsylvania

Maryann Pugh, MyChesCo

Union Energy, a coalition dedicated to fostering a sustainable energy economy, has voiced strong support for Governor Josh Shapiro’s ambitious “Lightning Plan.”

January 25, 2025

What’s Working: Colorado has a new climate-jobs coalition, as Trump pulls back on green energy

Tracy Ross and Tamara Chuang, The Colorado Sun

Colorado Climate Jobs wants high-quality union jobs, lower costs for working families and a clean energy economy that works for Coloradans. Are they possible under the new administration?

January 22, 2025

Worker’s coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

Eric Galatas, Public News Service

As President Donald Trump abandons a promise the U.S. made in Paris nearly a decade ago, organized workers across Colorado are joining forces to address a climate emergency which, according to global scientific consensus, threatens the very biosphere needed to sustain life as we know it.

January 20, 2025

New labor coalition wants Colorado’s unions at the forefront of the state’s green energy transition

Caroline Llanes, Aspen Public Radio

Colorado has big goals for reducing its carbon emissions and becoming a leader in green and renewable energy. The state has committed to 100% net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with ambitious benchmarks along the way.

January 17, 2025

This climate coalition wants Colorado union jobs to power the switch away from fossil fuels

Ishan Thakore, CPR News

Colorado labor unions launched a new coalition Thursday to argue that the transition away from fossil fuels should be powered not just by renewable energy, but by union jobs.

January 1, 2025

How the Inflation Reduction Act helps Wisconsin homeowners

Kaitlyn Doolittle, Hudson Star-Observer

According to an August report by Climate Jobs National Resource Center, “there are 82 clean energy generation and storage projects in the development pipeline — planned, under construction, or recently completed — that could be eligible for various tax incentives tied to labor standards under the Inflation Reduction Act, representing a potential 11,833 megawatts of clean power, $18,124,489,000 associated investment, and an estimated 42,366 jobs.

December 26, 2024

He lost his job, then his apartment. Now, he works at a solarfarm via a new Houston program.

Claire Hao, Houston Chronicle 

MC3 is an initiative organized by the Texas Climate Jobs Project, a nonprofit thatadvocates for addressing climate change with union labor.

December 23, 2024

Commentary: Bringing Solar Energy to NYC Schools and Public Buildings

Sandy Nurse and Gary LaBarbera, Public News Service

“This solar program is a game changer: it will reduce harmful air pollution, fight climate change, and create high-quality jobs installing and maintaining solar panels.”

December 17, 2024

Bronson announces $3 million for green energy jobs institute

Steve Howe, Democrat & Chronicle 

Assemblyman Harry Bronson celebrated a $3 million investment from the state into Cornell University’s Climate Jobs Institute at the IBEW Apprenticeship Training Center in Rochester on Monday.

December 10, 2024

NYC law requiring solar panels in public buildings goes into effect

CBS News

A new law that requires solar panels to be installed at New York City public buildings, including schools, is now in effect.

December 9, 2024

Unions: Green jobs are good paying jobs under new MA climate law

Kathryn Carley, Public News Service

Labor unions in Massachusetts say the state’s new climate law will create good jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

December 6, 2024

Frances Eanes on building a worker-led climate future in Maine

Beacon Staff, Maine Beacon 

This week on the podcast, guest host Nora Flaherty-Stanford discusses the intersection of labor and climate action in Maine with Frances Eanes from the Maine Labor Climate Council.

November 22, 2024

Connecticut has some of the nation’s high electricity bills. Is wind power the answer?

John Craven, News 12

Trade unions say electric rates will drop if the state doubles-down on offshore wind.

November 21, 2024

Coalition defeats repeal of WA Climate Act to save environment, jobs

Mark Richardson, Public News Service

On Election Day, a broad coalition of conservationists, labor, and others helped defeat a ballot initiative to repeal Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act. The act, passed in 2021, is the state’s state’s primary vehicle for reducing emissions and pollution and a major source of funding for clean energy infrastructure and climate initiatives.

November 21, 2024

Can Labor Save Offshore Wind?

Jael Holzman, Heatmap Plus

Labor’s support is going to be necessary for the [offshore wind[ industry to stand a chance at maintaining growth.

November 21, 2024

Healey says Mass. has ‘secret sauce’ to counter wind energy opposition

Colin A. Young, USA Today

Gov. Maura Healey doubled down Tuesday on the state’s commitment to offshore wind amid signals that the federal government could soon turn far more antagonistic to the growing sector, telling a union hall audience that the partnership of organized labor and the clean energy industry gives Massachusetts “a special sauce” that positions it to continue its energy transition.

November 19, 2024

Gov. Healey, unions call for major expansion of New England offshore wind

Anastasia E. Lennon, The New Bedford Light

Major labor unions in New England, with the support of Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, are calling for more state and federal investment in offshore wind development. The unions’ new report recommends that Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island together set ambitious goals, including 30 gigawatts of offshore wind in the region by 2040 — enough to power 10 million homes.

November 19, 2024

Southern New England leaders double down on growing offshore wind industry

Kennedy Buck, NBC 10 News

The future of the offshore wind industry is uncertain as a new administration is about to move into the Oval Office. Despite the new leadership, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey continues to share optimism.

November 15, 2024

Ocean wind power supporters ponder future in Maine after Trump win

Peter McGuire, Maine Public

On the campaign trail, president elect Donald Trump lashed out against ocean wind energy and declared he would stop the industry’s development. But offshore wind power supporters in Maine said while they expect roadblocks ahead, a single presidential administration is unlikely to derail the state’s long-term plans.

November 15, 2024

Trade Unions Urge Southern New England States to Triple Their Offshore Wind Commitments

Jon Hurdle, Inside Climate News 

Advocates say buying significantly more offshore wind would help states boost economies, meet climate goals.

October 29, 2024

Maine offshore wind power takes a big step forward with new federal leases

Staff, Maine Beacon

The development of Maine’s offshore wind power industry took a big step forward on Tuesday, as two experienced offshore wind developers won four federal lease areas in the Gulf of Maine.

October 29, 2024

Offshore wind power leases sold for Gulf of Maine waters off Maine, Mass. coasts

Travis Andersen and Sabrina Shankman, Boston Globe 

The Biden administration on Tuesday leased swaths of Gulf of Maine waters for wind farms, in what officials called “the first commercial sale for floating offshore wind on the Atlantic Coast” that could power 2.3 million homes with clean energy.

October 3, 2024

Climate Week wraps: NYC Council passes bill for solar panels on public buildings

Ariama C. Long, Amsterdam News

Councilmember Sandy Nurse was buzzing to push through her climate and renewable energy bill as the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Climate Week, also known as Climate Week NYC, wrapped this Monday.The bill passed with huge support.

October 2, 2024

More WI resumes could soon include climate work history

Mike Moen, Public News Service 

Federal data show health care and technology-related jobs are still in high demand but a career in clean energy is now at the top of the list, too, and Wisconsin labor leaders said opportunities are unfolding in the region.

September 24, 2024

Local construction workers credit clean energy projects in Maine with job stability

Pearl Small, News Center Maine

The Inflation Reduction Act helped kickstart projects that are employing local construction workers.

September 23, 2024

Federal funds, clean energy projects boost ME union workforce

Kathryn Carley, Public News Service

Union workers in Maine say federal funds are helping fuel the state’s clean energy transition and offering incentives for young people to stick around.

September 9, 2024

A New Roadmap for a Clean Energy that Prioritizes PA Union Workers

Lexi Gonzalez, BCTV

A new report is providing a roadmap for policymakers and industry leaders to shape the future of Pennsylvania’s clean energy landscape.

September 9, 2024

Texas leads in US solar installations

Clare Fieseler, Politico Pro

A new industry report shows an uptick in utility-scale installations, as researchers raise concerns about dangerous working conditions.

September 6, 2024

A new roadmap for a clean energy that prioritizes PA union workers

Danielle Smith, Public News Service

A new report is providing a roadmap for policymakers and industry leaders to shape the future of Pennsylvania’s clean energy landscape.

September 6, 2024

As Pennsylvania chooses the next president, its unions are choosing clean energy

Gautama Mehta, Grist

A coalition of trade unions have launched a new advocacy group, Union Energy, to ensure that Pennsylvania’s workers get a “just transition” to a fossil-fuel-free economy.

September 2, 2024

82 Wisconsin clean energy projects eligible for IRA incentives, report says

Joe Schulz, Wisconsin Public Radio

National report says Wisconsin projects account for 42K jobs, $18B of investment.

August 29, 2024

Steelton mill hosts kickoff to campaign highlighting climate jobs plan

Ed Gruver, Central Penn Business Journal 

Union Energy is a collaboration between the PA AFL-CIO and the PA Building Trades. A report authored by the IRL Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell University and supported by Union Energy detailed a clean energy future for Pennsylvania.

August 26, 2024

New partnership aims to expand steel industry jobs in Pennsylvania

Jared Weaver, WHTM

Labor groups have formed a new partnership to reshape factories and retain jobs.

August 25, 2024

A review of the Inflation Reduction Act, two years on.

Luis Montoya, Rio Grande Guardian 

One of the IRA’s standout features is its commitment to creating good, family-supporting jobs and aggressive incentives tied directly to labor standards, says Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy.

August 21, 2024

High Injury Rate for Clean Energy Workers

Tom D’Agostino, HR Morning 

A newly released report indicates a high injury rate for clean energy workers in Texas.

August 20, 2024

IRA’s labor standard requirements could create 3.9M ‘high-quality’ jobs: report

Diana DiGangi, Utility Dive

The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax incentives tied to labor standards could generate around 3.9 million jobs across 6,285 clean energy projects in development, according to a new report from the Climate Jobs National Resource Center.

August 16, 2024

Exclusive: Texas clean energy jobs can be dirty business for a precarious workforce, new research shows

Rebekah F. Ward, Houston Chronicle 

An exclusive look at new solar and wind jobs research shows that Texas workers face precarity despite Inflation Reduction Act tax breaks tied to labor standards.

August 16, 2024

Republicans tried to repeal this climate bill 42 times. Meanwhile, it has brought $286 billion to their districts

Kristin Toussaint, Fast Company

In two years, the Inflation Reduction Act has created more than 334,000 clean energy jobs.

August 15, 2024

Inflation Reduction Act’s labor standards could create 170k high-quality union jobs in New York State

Empire Report

A new report takes a first-of-its-kind look at the clean energy boom spurred by federal clean energy tax incentives in our state and nationwide, coming on the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act.

August 15, 2024

Commentary: Texas Unions Lead the Charge in the New Energy Economy

Rick Levy, Rio Grande Guardian

In a guest column, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy says the Inflation Reduction Act is driving Texas’ clean energy boom, creating jobs, improving the power grid, and positioning the state as a leader in solar energy. He says the legislation ensures Texas workers are central to the clean energy transition.

August 14, 2024

Offshore Wind Development in Maine Is a Collaborative Effort

Margaret Cooney, CAP

Building off the success of the Inflation Reduction Act, a coalition of labor unions, green nongovernmental organizations, and community leaders came together to advocate for the inclusion of strong labor standards in the build-out of offshore wind in Maine.

August 6, 2024

Commentary: Project labor agreements are good for the state and job growth

Elizabeth Warren and Chrissy Lynch, Boston Globe

PLAs ensure good wages and benefits, safe working conditions, and sustained investment in the local economy and workforce.

July 22, 2024

Organized Labor Is Uncovering the Truth About Offshore Wind in Rhode Island

Margaret Cooney and Devon Lespier, CAP

Rhode Island is feeling the benefits of climate investments and labor requirements put forth by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure law.

July 22, 2024

New report details the working conditions of New York’s solar workers

Catherine Wheeler, NCPR

Solar energy development is becoming increasingly important in reaching New York state’s climate goals.

July 18, 2024

‘Unions remain a place of unity and hope’

The Stand

The 2024 Constitutional Convention convened in Wenatchee on Tuesday, July 16, bringing together union members representing the hundreds of unions that make up the WSLC, and more than half a million union workers state-wide.

July 15, 2024

The siting of an offshore wind port raises new conflicts in Maine

Annie Ropeik, Grist

Coastal residents concerned for both climate change and ecological preservation are conflicted over the planned location of a facility that advocates say will help launch Maine’s offshore wind industry.

July 15, 2024

Commentary: Rhode Island has consistently shown leadership in enacting laws that address climate change

Patrick Crowley, Boston Globe

Over the last few years, Rhode Island has consistently demonstrated national leadership in addressing the impacts of climate change through legislative action.

June 27, 2024

US unions, environmentalists join forces to push for green jobs

Carey L. Biron, Context

Across the United States, cities are seeking to tap into billions of dollars in new federal funding and create a “green jobs” industry that backers say holds the promise of creating entirely new local economies.

June 25, 2024

Commentary: N.J. is forging ahead on offshore wind — creating good jobs along the way

Mike Hellstrom, ROI NJ

New Jersey has the most ambitious offshore wind goal on the East Coast: Our state is setting out to build 11 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2040. That’s enough to deliver clean, reliable power to over 5 million homes — more than half of our state’s population.

June 20, 2024

NY solar workers overworked, underpaid — study

Jack Quinn, E&E News

New York’s rapid expansion in solar energy capacity depends on overworked transient labor, according to a recent study.

May 22, 2024

As New York’s Offshore Wind Work Begins, an Environmental Justice Community Is Waiting to See the Benefits

Nicholas Kusnetz, Inside Climate News

A labor agreement guarantees jobs for unions, but making sure Sunset Park residents are included remains a challenge.

May 17, 2024

Michigan leaders warn about the health impacts of climate change

Kyle Davidson, Michigan Advance 

As climate impacts become increasingly visible throughout Michigan, with heavy rainfall, extreme winter storms and the spread of smoke from Canadian wildfires impacting residents throughout the state, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has set its sights on protecting the environment and public health for future generations.

May 15, 2024

A gust of hope in Searsport with promise of new jobs, economic boost from wind port

Annmarie Hilton, Maine Morning Star

Labor groups talk with residents, who’ve seen industries dry up and leave the midcoast, about opportunities in wind energy.

May 14, 2024

Community members gather in Searsport to discuss offshore wind possibilities

Sierra Whaley, WABI 5

Community members from the town of Searsport gathered at the community building this evening to hear what offshore wind could do for their community.

May 13, 2024

ME promotes youth apprenticeships to build green economy workforce

Kathryn Carley, Public News Service 

State officials in Maine are highlighting apprenticeships as a way to earn a living wage and contribute to the state’s growing green economy.

April 26, 2024

NYS solar work: Good for climate, but are they good jobs?

James Dean, Cornell Chronicle

New York state solar construction workers – whose numbers are expected to grow rapidly to meet climate goals – are transient, may not receive benefits and are subject to racial disparities in pay, finds a new report from the ILR School’s Climate Jobs Institute (CJI).

April 26, 2024

Groups say Mills’ veto of energy-labor bill will weaken state efforts to tackle climate change

Evan Popp, Maine Morning Star

Gov. Janet Mills on Friday vetoed a bill that union and climate leaders argued would ensure clean energy projects on state land aren’t disrupted by labor disputes.

April 17, 2024

Legislators push bill to protect union workers during energy transition

Amisha Kumar, Boston Business Journal

April 17, 2024

Several bills still under consideration as Maine legislative session wraps up

Caroline LeCour, News Center Maine

April 16, 2024

Lawmakers at a crossroads over potential development of Sears Island for offshore wind port

Annmarie Hilton, Maine Morning Star

April 16, 2024

WI utilities make union jobs a priority for green projects

Mike Moen, WXPR

April 10, 2024

WI utilities make union jobs a priority for green projects

Mike Moen, Public News Service 

March 30, 2024

Commentary: Unions key in ramp up to the next industrial revolution

Chrissy Lynch, Ed Hawthorne, and Patrick Crowley, CommonWealth Beacon

March 27, 2024

Utility companies commit to hiring local union workers for upcoming clean energy projects

Oliver Willis, The Wisconsin Independent 

March 27, 2024

Wisconsin electric utilities sign on to union labor for clean energy projects

Erik Gunn, Wisconsin Examiner 

March 27, 2024

Tri-state offshore wind pact nets four bidders for Rhode Island. But at what cost?

Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current 

March 26, 2024

Wisconsin utilities pledge to partner with trade unions to build clean energy infrastructure

Lila Szyryj, WMTV 15 News

March 22, 2024

HyVelocity hub just ‘tip of the iceberg’: Hydrogen industry growth creates demand for jobs, workforce challenges

Jishnu Nair, Houston Business Journal 

March 22, 2024

Commentary: Climate action and jobs are a winning combination

Sue AnderBois and Brett P. Smiley, Boston Globe

March 19, 2024

Commentary: Offshore wind can create good jobs

Yanel Greene, Bangor Daily News

“Maine has to make the transition to green energy, and I believe that it’s going to happen.”

March 18, 2024

Feds’ proposed site for offshore wind gets mixed grades from labor, lobster trade groups

Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz

March 15, 2024

Illinois lawmakers stand alongside coalition ready for carbon capture expansion

Mike Miletich, WAND

Illinois lawmakers are working with agriculture, business and labor groups to pass a plan this spring to advance carbon capture and storage projects across the state.

March 15, 2024

Organized labor calls for three-state offshore wind agreement in CT, MA and RI

Mary Serreze, Providence Business First

March 12, 2024

Providence wants all city buildings to become carbon neutral. It’s not yet clear how much it will cost.

Alexa Gagosz, Boston Globe

Mayor Brett Smiley signed into law an ordinance that would require all city-owned buildings — including schools — go carbon-neutral by 2040.

March 8, 2024

Commentary: Maine’s energy transition must include, respect Wabanaki tribes

Francis Eanes, Bangor Daily News

The Maine Labor Climate Council is committed to advancing an ambitious, pro-worker agenda to combat climate change and reverse inequality. We support the state’s climate plan as a roadmap toward local, reliable, and affordable sources of clean energy while fostering economic opportunities and benefits for all Maine people.

March 7, 2024

Providence City Council wants carbon-neutral city buildings by 2040. How will it happen?

Amy Russo, Providence Journal 

The City Council passed a law Thursday night to require that municipal buildings are carbon-neutral by 2040.

March 7, 2024

City, unions cultivate clean energy effort to power jobs

Richard Khavkine, The Chief

Council, mayor both announce green initiatives.

February 14, 2024

Construction Unions Face Fork In The Road: Shrink Or Seize The Moment

Patrick Sisson, Bisnow

The country’s unionized construction workforce, largely consisting of workers whose march toward retirement shrinks the overall construction employment pool, has reached a record low at just 10.7%, according to a release from Associated Builders and Contractors, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data. At the same time, unions in industries from auto manufacturing to Hollywood have notched wins in the past year, and provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Law give unions more favorable terrain to expand membership.

February 8, 2024

Commentary: Powered by union jobs, offshore wind set to take off

Kendall Martin, The Virginian-Pilot

The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, which just last month received the green light to begin construction, underscores what we’ve known for some time: The future of energy is here, and it’s here in Virginia.

February 5, 2024

CT bus riders and drivers call for free fares for K-12 students, safer bus stops

Emily DiSalvo, Stamford Advocate 

Bus drivers and riders in Connecticut are calling for safe, accessible, and affordable transportation this legislative session. And on Monday, the birthday of Rosa Parks, they continued those calls in the civil rights pioneer’s name.

January 30, 2024

Offshore wind leaders urge development as climate change threatens Maine’s coastal communities

Jason Nappi, News Center Maine

The early stages of wind energy in Maine are moving forward.

January 18, 2024

Labor group gets DOE backing in fight for say on green jobs

Emma Cordover, Politico Pro 

AFL-CIO sought support after union representatives complained of being frozen out of planning for Texas hydrogen hub.

January 5, 2024

The Wind Workers of West Texas

Will Kubzansky, Heatmap

If one were to go looking for a Permian Basin of wind — a wind energy superregion waiting to be born — the actual Permian Basin wouldn’t be a bad place to start.

November 27, 2023

Apprenticeships can drive inclusive clean energy economy

Mary Catt, Cornell Chronicle  

The ILR School’s Climate Jobs Institute will share its new report, “Building an Equitable, Diverse and Unionized Clean Energy Economy: What We Can Learn from Apprenticeship Readiness,” at an in-person and online event on Nov. 30 from 8:30 to 11 a.m at the Cornell ILR Conference Center in midtown Manhattan.

November 24, 2023

Strong support for Maine-based offshore wind port

The Republican Journal 

A unique coalition of organized labor and environmental groups that successfully passed a landmark offshore wind bill earlier this year is now signaling its unequivocal support for the responsible development of an offshore wind port on Maine’s coast.

November 9, 2023

Houston’s HyVelocity hydrogen hub should ‘resolve differences’ with labor groups, Texas Dems say

Amanda Drane, Houston Chronicle 

More than two dozen Texas lawmakers are calling on the Biden administration to pressure the HyVelocity hydrogen hub in Houston to ensure workers aren’t left behind in the push to advance the clean energy project.

November 3, 2023

Unions see Healey as ally on clean energy jobs

Sam Drysdale, State House News Service

The state’s transition to renewable power does not have to threaten workers who rely on the fossil fuel industry for their livelihood, Gov. Maura Healey said Thursday, joining advocates at a labor-led event centered on bills designed to bring about a “just transition” to clean energy.

November 1, 2023

Here’s how HyVelocity could build out its Houston-area hydrogen hub projects

Jishnu Nair, Houston Business Journal

A few weeks after the Department of Energy picked the HyVelocity Hub bid for a potential Gulf Coast hydrogen hub, officials with the consortium revealed more details about the proposed project.

October 20, 2023

Proposed offshore wind map protects a key Maine lobster fishing ground

Annmarie Hilton, Maine Morning Star

A newly proposed map for offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine included a victory for fishing groups, labor unions and environmental organizations.

October 13, 2023

Houston consortium picked as hydrogen hub by Department of Energy

Rebecca Noel, Houston Public Media

The Texas Gulf Coast hydrogen hub is expected to be the largest of the seven in regard to clean hydrogen production as the bulk of the country’s hydrogen infrastructure is already located in the region.

October 12, 2023

Providence pledges to be America’s first ‘climate jobs city’

Sarah Wray, Cities Today

Providence, Rhode Island has adopted a resolution to establish itself as “America’s first climate jobs city.” The council said that it is committed to “enacting bold climate policy goals” and “aggressive programmes” to ensure resilience and a just transition.

October 2, 2023

Proposed bill puts solar on NYC public building roofs

Edwin J. Viera, Public News Service

A proposed bill aims to have solar panels placed on the roofs of all public buildings in New York City.

September 29, 2023

Carbon neutral city buildings? New Providence City Council ordinance could mandate the transition.

Amy Russo, Providence Journal

A proposed ordinance awaits the Providence City Council, aimed at making all municipal buildings carbon neutral by 2050, with significant progress by 2030.

September 20, 2023

BK Council Member Sandy Nurse Introduces New Solar Energy Bill Ahead of Climate Week

Staff, BK Reader

Brooklyn Council Member Sandy Nurse, along with several other elected officials, introduced a new solar power bill this week. The newly announced legislation would require New York City to accelerate solar energy installations on city-owned buildings and public properties.

September 20, 2023

Climate Jobs Honored With NYC Council Proclamation

Stephanie West, Labor Press

On September 19, 2023, Climate Jobs NY received a proclamation from New York City (NYC) Council in recognition of their work to advance good union jobs within the renewable energy economy.

September 2, 2023

OP-ED: Labor Day celebrates American workers’ victories. WA unions are fighting for more

April Sims, Mark Riker, and Jon Holden, The News Tribune

A wide group of labor unions representing hundreds of thousands of workers across Washington have formed the Climate Jobs Washington coalition to advance a plan to build a strong clean energy economy that prioritizes the needs of workers and their families. As we celebrate Labor Day, our state’s labor movement is confident that we can tackle both climate breakdown and inequality.

August 30, 2023

Commentary: Marking a year of strong gains for unions

George Nee and Patrick Crowley, The Boston Globe

The Rhode Island labor movement has much to celebrate this Labor Day.

September 2, 2023

Commentary: Labor Day celebrates American workers’ victories. WA unions are fighting for more

April Sims, Mark Riker, and Jon Holden, The News Tribune

A wide group of labor unions representing hundreds of thousands of workers across Washington have formed the Climate Jobs Washington coalition to advance a plan to build a strong clean energy economy that prioritizes the needs of workers and their families. As we celebrate Labor Day, our state’s labor movement is confident that we can tackle both climate breakdown and inequality.

August 30, 2023

Commentary: Marking a year of strong gains for unions

George Nee and Patrick Crowley, The Boston Globe

The Rhode Island labor movement has much to celebrate this Labor Day.

August 17, 2023

How Texans Are Coping with the ‘Death Star’ Bill

Neel Dhanesha, Heatmap

Here’s how workers feel about the elimination of mandatory water breaks amid unrelenting summer heat.

August 17, 2023

How has Wisconsin changed since the Inflation Reduction Act?

Corrinne Hess, Wisconsin Public Radio

The landmark legislation, signed Aug. 16, 2022, invests in climate, clean energy and regenerative agriculture. The law provides clean energy tax credits for energy efficient commercial buildings, homes and electric vehicles.

August 10, 2023

R.I. Workforce Plans for Offshore Wind, Anticipating Solid Union-Supported Jobs

Mary Lhowe, ecoRI News

The offshore wind industry has a solid foothold on land in Rhode Island, in workplaces thick with concrete, steel, wrenches, and hard hats. The industry’s land bases in the Ocean State also include busy places where people are training to work in the nascent industry.

August 7, 2023

Can Unions Save Workers from the Heat?

Neel Dhanesha, Heatmap

As the world heats up, working conditions will get worse. And unions are starting to become essential to climate adaptation.

August 1, 2023

ME Labor Groups Applaud New Offshore Wind Energy Industry Standards

Kathryn Carley, Public News Service

Labor advocates are hailing Maine Governor Janet Mill’s signing of a landmark bill creating a new offshore wind energy industry in the state, with strong protections for workers. The bill was negotiated by lawmakers, advocates for Maine’s fishing industry and organized labor, who say it will create thousands of union jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for years to come.

August 1, 2023

Washington labor unions launch coalition for climate jobs

A. Smith, KGMI

Labor unions from across the state launched a new coalition on Monday, July 31st, to address climate change in the workforce.

July 31, 2023

Unions launch Climate Jobs Washington

David Groves, The Stand

Unions across Washington launched Climate Jobs Washington, a new coalition of labor unions coming together to address both climate change and racial and economic inequality by creating high-quality union jobs to sustain Washington’s families and communities.

July 31, 2023

Labor’s plan for fighting climate change and creating jobs in Washington

Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard

A coalition of unions released a report laying out an ambitious “worker-centered climate roadmap” to create more than 800,000 jobs across Washington in the building, transportation, energy, and low-carbon manufacturing sectors

July 28, 2023

Commentary: Jobs in offshore wind require strong labor standards

Jayme Skelton, Portland Press Herald

I am an apprentice with the Operating Engineers Local 4. Joining the union is the best decision I’ve made when it comes to my career. For the work that I do, I know that I am receiving the best training and making the best wages and benefits there is in the industry.

July 24, 2023

Maine governor reaches offshore wind deal with labor unions

Maxine Joselow, Washington Post

Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) has reached a compromise with labor unions on legislation to boost the state’s offshore wind industry, overcoming past disagreements that threatened to tank the measure.

July 19, 2023

Commentary: Employ vulnerable communities to build New York’s clean energy transition

Davon Lomax, City and State

In order to right deep-rooted environmental inequities, the state’s clean energy transition should provide communities of color with access to quality job opportunities in the new green economy.

July 5, 2023

Commentary: Michigan students deserve to learn in a healthy environment

David Hecker, Michigan Advance 

The chair of the union-led Michigan Green and Health Schools Coalition discusses how we can make Michigan schools greener and healthier.

June 28, 2023

‘No one’s tougher than the sun’: How a construction worker is staying safe during Texas’ heat wave

Scott Tong, WBUR

Here & Now’s Scott Tong speaks with a construction worker there about how they’re handling the extreme heat on the job.

June 19, 2023

Wind turbine ports run by union labor could help Maine be leader in climate, industry

Dan Neumann, Maine Beacon

A bill introduced by Gov. Janet Mills that would create visual impact standards for future offshore wind projects has passed the Maine Legislature and is on its way to her desk.

June 6, 2023

Commentary: Bills call for responsible development of Maine’s offshore wind industry

Maureen Drouin and Francis Eanes, Portland Press Herald

L.D. 1818 and L.D. 1895 will put our priorities and our ideals into law and ensure that offshore wind is implemented in a way that doesn’t compromise our state’s values.

June 1, 2023

EPA’s methane proposal would create 19,000 Texas jobs — report

Carlos Anchondo, E&E News

An analysis from the University of Texas, Austin, and a workers’ group found that plugging methane leaks in oil and gas infrastructure would create both short-term and long-term jobs.

June 1, 2023

Bills Aim to Create ‘Responsible’ Offshore Wind Industry in ME

Kathryn Carley, Public News Service

Maine lawmakers are considering two pieces of legislation which supporters said are needed to ensure “responsible” development of offshore wind projects.

May 26, 2023

New report finds cutting methane emissions could bring thousands of jobs to Texas oil fields

Marfa Public Radio

A new report from researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Climate Jobs Project concluded tens of thousands of jobs may be created in Texas as a result of new methane regulations.

May 26, 2023

Is CT’s largest offshore wind project headed for the shoals?

Jan Ellen Spiegel, CT Mirror

Connecticut could be in danger of losing its biggest offshore wind project — the more than 800 megawatt plan known as Park City Wind.

May 18, 2023

Plan to cut methane emissions could yield 35,000 new union jobs in Texas, study finds

Brandon Rodriguez, SA Current

Reducing methane emissions in Texas could create 35,000 union jobs in the state, according to a new study by the Texas Climate Jobs Project and the Ray Marshall Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

May 17, 2023

Capping Emissions Could Create 35,000 Jobs in Texas (If Lawmakers Would Only Listen)

Molly Taft, Gizmodo

Texas could add tens of thousands of jobs if the state seriously commits itself to driving down its methane emissions, finds a report from the Texas Climate Jobs Project released Wednesday. But state leadership has thus far refused funding from the federal government for anti-methane measures.

May 17, 2023

New Report Finds Methane Mitigation in Texas Could Create Thousands of Jobs

Martha Pskowski, Inside Climate News

Texas officials have vowed to oppose federal regulations aimed at reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations. But the report says plugging leaks and upgrading wells is poised to be a big business in the Lone Star State.

May 10, 2023

Workers want to ensure Maine’s budding offshore wind industry will create good-paying jobs

Dan Neumann, Maine Beacon

As officials and business leaders are setting their sights on making Maine a hub for the offshore wind industry, workers and environmentalists insist that any green infrastructure produced here should be built through good-paying, union jobs.

May 9, 2023

Commentary: Maine can build offshore wind that protects our people and environment

Chip Curry, Bangor Daily News

Senator Curry discuss the need to balance a move towards for offshore wind the concerns of the lobster industry and protecting and supporting Mainers and the environment.

April 21, 2023

NHPR’s 2023 By Degrees Climate Summit

Emily Quirk and Daniela Allee, NHPR

NHPR, in collaboration with NHPBS, held the first ever By Degrees Climate Summit at the University of New Hampshire in Durham on April 13. One of the panelist is Aziz Dehkan, executive director of CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs.

April 20, 2023

Lobstering Union (IAM 207), Maine Building Trades unions, Maine AFL-CIO Back Proposal to Protect Fishing Jobs & Create Union Jobs in Offshore Wind

Andy O’ Brien, Maine AFL-CIO

The Maine Lobstering Union (IAM 207) and the Maine AFL-CIO Executive Board have voted to support a proposal that would protect fishing grounds while also allowing offshore wind development in a way that creates good union jobs.

April 12, 2023

Environmentalists, unions back latest push for offshore wind on Lake Michigan

Andrew Adams, WGLT

A coalition of Democratic politicians, labor unions and environmental groups is advocating for a plan that would put an offshore wind farm off the coast of Lake Michigan on Chicago’s South Side.

March 31, 2023

Local Unions Call for Safe Jobs in Offshore Wind Energy Industry

Faith Bugenhagen, Houston Press

Offshore wind jobs are coming to the Gulf of Mexico. Union members like Zachary Zahn and Charles Vaughn are advocating to ensure those jobs are good, union jobs with high wages, good benefits, and safe working conditions.

March 28, 2023

A Green Economy For Rhode Island

Autumn Guillotte, Labor Vision RI

Labor Vision host, Autumn Guillotte, sits down with Climate Jobs RI staff to talk about victories in 2022 and upcoming 2023 priorities.

March 21, 2023

Unions, environmentalists call for ‘decarbonizing’ R.I. public schools

Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe

Climate Jobs Rhode Island renewed its “Green and Healthy Schools” campaign, urging the General Assembly to pass legislation that would spur investments in “net-zero” school buildings and decarbonize all its public school buildings by 2035.

March 28, 2023

Training ex-offenders for green jobs is essential for economic equity

Tim Drea and Chynna Hampton, Chicago Sun Times

Under the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act, work force hubs will work with local nonprofits to identify and train candidates, including returning residents, for training in clean energy jobs.

March 27, 2023

Texas Unions Want Offshore Wind to Provide Well-Paid, Safe Jobs

Roz Brown, Public News Service

Offshore wind development is coming to Texas under the Biden administration’s plan to grow America’s clean-energy economy, and union members want the jobs to include proper safety and worker protections.

March 21, 2023

Unions, environmentalists call for ‘decarbonizing’ R.I. public schools

Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe

Climate Jobs Rhode Island renewed its “Green and Healthy Schools” campaign, urging the General Assembly to pass legislation that would spur investments in “net-zero” school buildings and decarbonize all its public school buildings by 2035.

March 15, 2023

Interview with Gary Menzel, President of Roofers & Waterproofers Local 11

Joan Esposito, WCPT 820

Gary Menzel and Joan Esposito discuss the importance of workforce development through union-registered appreciation and pre-apprenticeship programs (52:00 – 1:12:30).

February 28, 2023

Combining Decarbonization, Good Jobs, and Climate Justice

Robert Kuttner, The American Prospect

Gina Raimondo released guidelines on how applications for manufacturing subsidies under the $53 billion CHIPS and Science Act will be evaluated. These could include whether applicants will get extra points for provisions long sought by the labor movement, such as project labor agreements and prevailing-wage commitments, which pave the way for union contracts.

February 22, 2023

New Climate Jobs Institute Allows for Research Addressing Climate Change, Aims to Create More Jobs

Gabriella Pacitto, The Cornell Daily Sun

The Industrial and Labor Relations School launched their Climate Jobs Institute on Jan. 25. The Institute will help New York state transition to a stronger clean energy economy by addressing the climate crisis and creating more jobs through continued cutting-edge research.

February 8, 2023

Biden is coming to Wisconsin to tout job creation, support for union labor. Here’s how a clean energy program helps meet those goals.

Karl Ebert, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

President Biden visits an union apprentice training center near Madison as his first stop the day after a State of the Union address in which he spoke about his administration’s work on job creation, clean energy and the economy.

February 1, 2023

In Maine, coalition works to make sure organized labor has role in offshore wind

Sarah Shemkus, Energy News Network

A group of environmental and labor organizations want a state offshore wind advisory committee in its final plan to include more specific language recommending project labor and labor peace agreements.

January 27, 2023

Why unions are excited about these provisions hidden deep in the Inflation Reduction Act

Kristin Toussaint, Fast Company

The Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law last summer, is the U.S.’s largest-ever investment in clean and renewable energy. But it’s also a landmark policy for labor, tying $270 billion in tax incentives (of the bill’s $369 billion clean energy investment) to labor standards that will boost working conditions for those in clean energy jobs.

January 25, 2023

Proposal calls for expansion of Maine’s offshore wind power

AP News

Conservation and labor groups are making a big push for offshore wind power in Maine via a proposed law that would boost the state’s energy production.

January 25, 2023

Commentary: At least one of the answers is blowing in the wind

The Editorial Board, Portland Press Herald

A new bill that promises to stimulate the development of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine strikes all the right notes.

January 24, 2023

Maine would buy offshore wind power in huge quantities under proposed law

Tuk Turkel, Portland Press Herald

Proposed legislation unveiled Tuesday would call for the purchase of offshore wind-generated electricity in amounts that could supply every home in the state, and then some.

January 19, 2023

Radio interview with Robb Kahl and Mike Fishman

Joe Zepecki, Steve Scaffidi Show on WTMJ

Robb and Mike talk about the importance of the IRA and the strong labor standards that it will help implement on clean energy projects.

January 18, 2023

Labor leads efforts to turn federal climate policy into good jobs

Mike Fishman, Cipher

Voices article from Mike Fishman, President and Executive Director of the Climate Jobs National Resource Center.

December 26, 2022

An offshore wind project being built with union labor could be exactly what energy workers need

Jeremy Gantz, Fortune

The South Fork Wind project, New York’s first offshore wind farm, is notable for being built almost entirely with union labor.

December 15, 2022

Large-scale solar farms are spreading, sparking debate over labor practices and land use

WKOW

Strong labor standards and local hiring will ensure a better solar industry for all.

December 7, 2022

Workers on Solar’s Front Lines

Lee Harris, The American Prospect

Unions are fighting to ensure solar workers are skilled tradesmen, not just exploited temps.

December 2, 2022

What kinds of jobs will be created by offshore wind farms?

H.J. Mai, NPR

When President Biden talks about America’s clean energy transition, he often mentions good paying union jobs. We examine what jobs the offshore wind industry could offer.

November 25, 2022

Big, Contentious Austin Energy Rate Hike Finally Arrives at Council

Lina Fisher, The Austin Chronicle

Austin City Council is set to vote on the Austin Energy proposed base rate increase on December 1.

November 5, 2022

The existential stakes of the midterm election for our climate and working people

Kilton Webb, Beacon

As you prepare to cast your ballot in this midterm election, remember what’s at stake this election season: the future of our climate, a fair economy, and good, union jobs in Maine.

October 14, 2022

Will offshore wind bring ‘good-paying, union jobs’? Texas workers aren’t so sure.

Emily Pontecorvo, Grist

The Biden administration is gearing up to turn the Gulf of Mexico, long a hub for offshore oil and gas drilling, into a new city of skyscraping offshore wind turbines.

October 3, 2022

Austin ISD school board approves protections for construction workers ahead of bond election

Becky Fogel, Austin Monitor

The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees has signed off on a resolution to improve labor standards for any construction projects on district property. The board approved the measure at a meeting Thursday.

September 30, 2022

Planning for the future: Officials tout potential of new health center complex

Ryan Patterson, The Journal Times

Standing between a school and a community center, local officials outlined how a new complex could transform the area by aiding the economy and the environment and reducing health care and education barriers for residents.

September 30, 2022

A new health clinic will create jobs, offers promise for the uninsured in Racine

Jessica Rodriguez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The city of Racine will save $2 million on its new health center project because its construction will meet provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that are aimed at reducing the community’s carbon footprint.

September 28, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act benefits: Good paying jobs and revitalized U.S. manufacturing

Sarah Spengeman, Forbes

The Inflation Reduction Act is not just historic climate policy, its historic jobs policy, capable of creating an estimated 9 million jobs over the next ten years according to the Blue Green Alliance. But what kind of jobs will they be?

September 27, 2022

Biden promised “good-paying union jobs,” but it will take organizing to get them

Leanna First-Arai, Truthout

Since the historic and controversial Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law in August, the economy has begun showing early signs of shifting and recalibrating beneath our feet… The IRA set aside $369 billion in climate and energy spending, which researchers estimate will translate to 9 million jobs over the next decade.

September 27, 2022

Workers demand labor protections at Austin Energy base rate rally

Kali Bramble, Austin Monitor

It was an unusually lively morning outside Austin Energy Headquarters last Saturday, as a coalition of workers, environmentalists and community leaders gathered to air their grievances with the publicly owned utility.

September 25, 2022

Rally held at Austin Energy HQ amid proposed rate increase

Julianna Russ, KXAN

On Saturday, Texas Unions and Austinites gathered outside the Austin Energy headquarters to rally and deliver a petition.

September 24, 2022

Groups demand action on rising energy rates, worker conditions in rally outside Austin Energy HQ

KVUE Staff, KVUE

Residents rallied outside of the Austin Energy headquarters on Saturday, demanding the electric utility company address certain issues.

September 2, 2022

Commentary: Strong unions make the economy — and R.I. — work better

George Nee and Patrick Crowley, Boston Globe

Marking Labor Day, Rhode Island AFL-CIO leaders say passing legislation to make wage theft a felony, and addressing water infrastructure to replace lead pipes, are priorities going forward.

September 2, 2022

Commentary: The Inflation Reduction Act will create climate jobs for Wisconsin workers

Pam Fendt, Wisconsin Examiner

Wisconsin is entering a boom cycle in renewable energy development. From utility-scale solar projects that will replace aging infrastructure to plans for the manufacturing of the needed component parts here, progress is now a question of “when?’”and “how?” instead of ”‘if?”

August 29, 2022

Commentary: What the Inflation Reduction Act means for Maine workers

Cynthia Phinney and Jason J. Shedlock, Bangor Daily News

The IRA will give us a fighting chance to address climate change while at the same time providing Mainers much-needed relief via the development of an abundant and diverse energy portfolio.

August 24, 2022

Commentary: In climate jobs era, here’s what Inflation Reduction Act means for Illinois workers

Pat Devaney, Chicago Sun Times

The $379 billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the biggest climate bill the U.S. has enacted, will give us a fighting chance to slash harmful pollution and secure a better future for our kids and future generations. But this isn’t just a climate win. It’s a climate jobs win. That’s what makes it such a big deal for Illinois.

August 20, 2022

Commentary: Federal climate jobs act a boon to RI workers

Priscilla De La Cruz and Patrick Crowley, The Providence Journal

The $379-billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the biggest climate bill to pass Congress, will give us a fighting chance to slash harmful pollution and secure a better future for our kids.

August 19, 2022

Federal electric bus program leaves Chicago, other school districts behind

Kari Lydersen, Energy News Network

The state’s largest school district doesn’t qualify for funding under a federal electric school bus program despite serving tens of thousands of low-income students in polluted areas. Critics are pressing for changes to the program.

August 16, 2022

Maine weatherization contractors race to hire and expand as demand booms

Sarah Shemkus, Energy News Network

Contractors registered with Efficiency Maine are on pace to insulate twice as many houses this year as last, with wait times now close to three months. State incentives and soaring oil prices are driving the surge in demand.

August 12, 2022

Wind capital in the Gulf

Delger Erdenesanaa, Texas Observer

Upcoming offshore wind farms in the Gulf of Mexico could bring jobs as well as clean energy to Texas communities.

August 11, 2022

Poll suggests support for unions and sustainability in AISD

Willow Higgins, Austin Monitor

A recent poll of AISD voters concluded that there is broad support for making the school district more sustainable and creating career pathways for union work.

August 2, 2022

Commentary: Bridgeport must act on clean buses

Mustafa Salahuddin, Connecticut Post

Last month, in New Haven, Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law the Connecticut Clean Air Act. This legislation requires Connecticut’s school districts to transition to 100 percent zero-emissions (fully electric) school buses in districts that serve environmental justice communities by 2030, and requires all school districts in the state to phase out diesel buses by 2035.

July 29, 2022

Commentary: Biden, don’t let offshore wind energy leave workers behind

Rick Levy and Dave Cortez, Houston Chronicle

The federal government announced last week that offshore wind is coming to the Gulf of Mexico — and it could be a game changer not just for energy, but for workers and communities across the region.

July 28, 2022

NYS announces third offshore wind solicitation

Adina Genn, Long Island Business News

New York State is launching its third offshore wind solicitation. Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Wednesday that the state seeks to procure 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable energy that would power at least 1.5 million New York homes.

July 28, 2022

Commentary: In R.I., labor and environmental groups working together on dual crises of climate and inequality

Priscilla De La Cruz and Patrick Crowley, Boston Globe

Nearly two years ago, we formed a coalition of our respective movements uniting around the idea that the climate crisis and inequality must be solved together.

July 12, 2022

Commentary: Union labor will help lead New York’s transition to clean energy

Joseph Azzopardi, AMNY

As extreme weather patterns become a common occurrence, and sea levels and greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise alarmingly, New York State has rightly acknowledged the urgency of the climate crisis during its latest legislative session.

July 12, 2022

Unions vie to get in on ground floor of offshore wind industry

Paige Smith and Stephen Lee, Bloomberg Law

Unions are positioning themselves as a key part of the Biden administration’s goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030, pushing for worker-focused mandates while fielding questions about how it can be done, particularly in the waters off less union-friendly states.

July 8, 2022

Meet the groups bringing people of color into New England’s energy industry

Hadley Barndollar, The Providence Journal

In the move towards renewable energy, people of color cannot be left behind.

June 24, 2022

Offshore wind energy bills passed by Rhode Island legislature

Zach Bright, Bloomberg Law

Bills to advance plans for offshore wind energy and stronger labor standards are among environmental bills approved by the Rhode Island Legislature.

June 20, 2022

Updating aging NYC school buildings will reduce the city’s carbon emissions

Michael Elsen-Rooney, Daily News

The city’s aging school buildings, which spew out the same volume of carbon dioxide emissions as 154,000 cars each year, will be a key battleground in efforts to reduce air pollution and boost clean energy across city, advocates say.

June 15, 2022

R.I. on track to be first state to require 100% of its electricity come from renewable energy sources

Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe

Rhode Island is on its way to requiring that 100 percent of electricity sold in the state comes from renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2033 — sooner than any other state in the country.

June 14, 2022

Rhode Island advances bill for 100% renewable electric by 2033

Zach Bright, Bloomberg Law

The smallest state is on track to adopt the country’s strongest renewable standard, supporters say, following a Tuesday vote in Rhode Island’s state House of Representatives.

June 14, 2022

Commentary: Toward building carbon free schools

Kathi Griffin and Dan Montgomery, The Pantagraph

As the school calendar winds down for summer break, students and families will be making plans for vacations, camp, and trips to the beach. Back on campus, administrators and educators will be preparing for the year ahead, including piecing together a plan to keep their aging buildings operational.

June 7, 2022

Commentary: A road map for making inroads into climate change in New York

Anita Raman, Crain’s New York Business

A new Cornell University report, Climate for Change: A Complete Climate Jobs Roadmap for New York City, a provides policy recommendations that will lead to net-zero emissions, create more than one million family-sustaining jobs, and reduce inequality in the city.

June 7, 2022

Commentary: Workers have a plan to kickstart NYC’s stalled climate response

Gary LaBarbera and Vincent Alvarez, PoliticsNY

As leaders of Climate Jobs NY, a coalition of unions representing millions of working New Yorkers, we stand behind this climate jobs vision for our city. Workers are already on the frontlines of climate change. We rebuilt after Sandy, cleaned up flooded public schools after Ida, and are working hard to build renewable energy infrastructure.

June 3, 2022

Texas Democrats want unionized wind work

Michaela Ross, Bloomberg Law

Eight Texas House Democrats called on the Interior Department on Thursday to require all new offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Mexico to be built with union labor. The lawmakers also want the economic and social benefits of the projects to be sent to marginalized communities.

June 2, 2022

For a living wage and a habitable planet, we need climate jobs programs

Paul Prescod, Jacobin

Climate and labor activists are coming together to hammer out ambitious but realistic plans for massively expanding the clean-energy sector in a way that also creates good union jobs. For both paychecks and the planet, it’s the only path forward.

June 2, 2022

Texas Dems look to offshore wind

Matthew Choi, Kelsey Tamborrino, and Alex Guillén, Politico

Texas Democratic Reps. Sylvia Garcia, Marc Veasey, Al Green, Lloyd Doggett, Vicente Gonzalez, Veronica Escobar, Sheila Jackson Lee and Joaquin Castro sent a letter this morning to the Interior Department to ensure the administration’s offshore wind plans in the Gulf of Mexico include strong protections for organized labor.

June 2, 2022

Texas Democrats, unions call on Interior to protect workers’ rights in offshore wind leasing

Zack Budryk, The Hill

A coalition of Texas unions and members of Congress is calling on the Biden administration to ensure workers’ rights are protected in the buildout of offshore wind infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico.

June 1, 2022

Hard to breathe: Report finds most NYC public schools with worst ventilation woes are in areas lacking green technology

Isabel Song Beer, AMNY

“We have billions of federal dollars available right now that our city can invest in repairing and retrofitting school buildings to create healthier classrooms for students and educators, slash carbon emissions and pollution, create good union jobs, and save our city millions of dollars in energy costs. Healthy school buildings mean healthy kids, educators, and communities.” said Dave Hancock, Interim Executive Director, Climate Jobs NY.

May 30, 2022

America’s next wind powerhouse: The Gulf of Mexico?

Kelsey Tamborrino, Politico

The Gulf of Mexico has spent eight decades as one of the nation’s prime petroleum hubs, home to thousands of rigs, platforms and other structures that drill, store and ship fossil fuels. Now the Biden administration is reviewing 30 million acres of Gulf waters near Texas and Louisiana for potential wind turbines — a development that could dovetail with proposals to generate other clean energy sources, such as hydrogen.

May 29, 2022

Commentary: Bridgeport schools face challenging climate future

Michael Testani, CTPost

The superintendent of Bridgeport public schools urges Bridgeport community to help address the climate crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial inequity by joining the Bridgeport Carbon Free and Healthy Schools campaign.

May 24, 2022

CPS welcomes guests to school sites

Staff, Cranston Herald

Climate Jobs Rhode Island, along with unions and climate organizations, visited several public schools with the Cranston superintendent to discuss the importance of designing sustainable schools that meet the needs of the local community.

May 23, 2022

Report: Google Fiber subcontractors’ record shows value of union labor

Gus Bova, Texas Observer

A new report seeks to draw Texans’ attention to an often-overlooked component of broadband expansion: the workers whose sweat will connect the country, who excavate and bore and trench and install and repair this increasingly taxpayer-funded and essential infrastructure.

May 22, 2022

The NY Bight could write the book on how we build offshore wind farms in the future

Nikita Amir, PopSci

Along the Atlantic coast, off New York and New Jersey, a stretch of ocean that’s 2.5 times the size of New York City was just leased by the US government to six energy companies. Those developers have one goal: to turn the 488,000 acres of water into offshore wind farms to power the two states with renewable energy.

May 19, 2022

Labor unions’ climate agenda for City Hall includes cutting school emissions, adding bike lanes

Danielle Dunn, Politico Pro

Major labor leaders are throwing their support behind an array of climate initiatives they say will create good union jobs as state and city leaders race to meet their mandates for cutting emissions.

May 13, 2022

Clean energy is the future—but to get the most out of it, Wisconsin workers should build the infrastructure

Robb Kahl, Up North News

Solar energy is coming to Wisconsin in a huge way, but in order for Wisconsin communities to enjoy the full benefits of this booming industry, solar energy production jobs needs to go to local workers and have high labor standards.

May 12, 2022

Cost savings for ComEd customers

Pat Devaney, Chicago Sun Times

ComEd customers are set to receive cost savings on their energy bills due to a provision in the state’s recently enacted Climate and Equity Jobs Act called the Carbon Mitigation Credit Program.

May 9, 2022

Commentary: NYC students deserve carbon-free and healthy schools

Carmen De La Rosa and Rita Joseph, City Limits

The Carbon Free and Healthy Schools plan would be transformational: it would institute energy audits and retrofits of each school, repair and replace HVAC systems, invest in climate resiliency upgrades, and electrify our fleet of school buses. It would make use of schools’ large rooftops to generate solar power and increase school buildings’ overall energy efficiency.

April 29, 2022

Maine labor coalition scores major legislative win creating renewable energy jobs

Dan Neumann, Maine Beacon

The Maine Labor Climate Council won its first major victory in the Maine Legislature this week: LD 1969. This law will require prevailing wages and equity standards on all large, utility-scale renewable energy projects including solar, wind, tidal, geothermal and hydropower.

April 28, 2022

Commentary: Labor taking lead on green economy

Renee Hamel and Dan McInerney, CTPost

The American economy is driven by American workers. In Connecticut, many areas of employment have organized labor and fill our unions with bright, hardworking individuals dedicated to moving the state forward and securing a better future for all residents.

April 26, 2022

New law could boost labor union presence in Maine renewable energy projects

Fred Bever, Maine Public

As Maine continues to expand its investments in renewable energy infrastructure, organized labor is notching some policy victories aimed at boosting union workers’ presence in the green economy.

April 18, 2022

Commentary: Our city can repair NYC schools and create thousands of union jobs

Vincent Alvarez, AMNY

The president of the New York City Central Labor Council discusses the urgent need for updating aging public schools buildings.

April 13, 2022

Maine labor organizers, state lawmakers call out federal inaction on climate, health care

Dan Neumann, Beacon

Grassroots activists joined labor and State House leaders on Wednesday in Augusta to call on Maine’s congressional delegation to jump start talks on President Joe Biden’s stalled social spending package that called for much-needed investments in the country’s social safety net and addressed the escalating threat of climate change.

April 8, 2022

Green light for state’s largest solar project in Dane County

Erik Gunn, Wisconsin Examiner

State regulators gave the all clear Thursday to the largest Wisconsin solar array yet, to be built on 4,600 acres of land in Dane County. The proposed Koshkonong Solar Energy Center will generate 300 megawatts of power and include storage battery capacity for 165 megawatts.

April 8, 2022

Illinois prioritizes equitable access to green jobs on its path to 100% clean energy

Laura Aka, Working Nation

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) aims to get the state to 100% clean energy by 2050 by focusing significant workforce development components, including an emphasis on building a more diverse workforce with equitable access to the skills needed to get green jobs.

April 5, 2022

Environmental group strives to create 20,000 union jobs in renewables

Ed “Flash” Ferenc, America’s Work Force Podcast

Maine AFL-CIO President Cynthia Phinney spoke about the creation of the Maine Labor Climate Council, a coalition of more than a dozen unions who strive to address climate change in Maine.

April 4, 2022

Bills would track, reduce greenhouse gas emissions coming from large buildings

Rob Smith, EcoRI News

A set of bills up for consideration in the General Assembly would benchmark emissions from large buildings (H7850) and expand the Green Buildings Act to set Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building standards for more state-owned and state-used buildings (H7278)

April 4, 2022

Organized labor leads employment of the future

Ann Donch, AMNY

We have to tackle crises together, and New York can get it done by building an equitable renewable energy economy powered by good-paying union jobs with training, family-sustaining benefits, and retirement security. That’s exactly why labor is leading on climate.

March 29, 2022

New advisory group to study port development for offshore wind

Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz

The Mills administration has expressed its official view of offshore wind as an “unprecedented economic and investment opportunity for Maine” and plans are underway to study options for possible uses of the renewable energy at the state’s commercial ports as part of Maine’s Offshore Wind Roadmap, a strategic planning process coordinated by the Governor’s Energy Office.

March 24, 2022

Advocates call on Mayor Adams and City Council to retrofit public schools with green infrastructure

Isabel Song Beer, AMNY

Elected officials, environmentalists, union leaders and other advocates gathered on the steps of City Hall Thursday to demand Mayor Eric Adams and the NYC city council retrofit public schools with climate friendly infrastructure.

March 24, 2022

Wisconsin’s clean energy goal’s could grow state’s economy by $21 billion, but state lags Midwest counterparts

Corrinne Hess, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

If Wisconsin meets its goal of transitioning to 100% clean energy over the next 30 years, it could grow the state’s economy by $21 billion and create more than 34,000 jobs, according to a new study.

March 22, 2022

Change in the air as wind ushers in New Energy era for Long Island

Claude Solnik, Long Island Press

The winds of change blew through East Hampton on Feb. 11, as construction symbolically started on the South Fork Wind project. In a TV studio, local, state and national officials lifted a shovel of dirt while cameras rolled.

March 18, 2022

Commentary: Here’s how we can improve our classrooms and our climate

David Hecker, Michigan Advance

Right now, the climate crisis is one of the biggest threats to public health, and we cannot ignore the impact it has on our communities. To ensure a bright future for our students, we also need to do our part to promote sustainability and protect the health of our environment.

March 9, 2021

Commentary: Workers have a climate plan for region

Cynthia Phinney, Patrick Crowley, and Joe Toner, The Providence Journal

Our states are flush with extra cash, thanks in part to relief money, federal infrastructure funding, and tax revenue that held steady during the pandemic. What to do with this money is the question. As labor leaders and advocates who represent the millions of working New Englanders who keep our region running, our answer is simple: invest in a pro-worker, climate-safe future.

March 2, 2021

Maine labor unions create climate council

AJ Douglas, Fox 22 WFVX Bangor

Unions across the state of Maine joined forces to create the Maine Labor Climate Council. The council’s goal is to advance quality employment standards while creating more climate-related job opportunities.

March 2, 2021

Report recommends slew of climate, labor policies for Maine

Lily Bohlke, Public News Service

A new report outlines steps Maine could take to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and pollution, create new jobs and build more equitable and resilient communities. It comes on the heels of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finding that the window to reverse the impacts of climate change is closing.

March 2, 2021

Voice of Maine interview with Matt Shlobohm

March 2, 2021

Maine unions launch platform to create thousands of good jobs, take on climate crisis

Evan Popp, Beacon

Maine unions on Tuesday launched a new coalition to push for pro-labor environmental initiatives and unveiled a report detailing the bold climate jobs action plan the organization will advocate for. The coalition, called the Maine Labor Climate Council, is made up of a dozen unions from across the state representing a variety of different industries and workplaces.

March 2, 2021

Commentary: Rhode Island’s route to an equitable, worker-centered, green economy

George Nee and Sheila Dormody, The Boston Globe

With a state budget surplus of $618 million and more than $2.5 billion in federal infrastructure money in our public coffers, Rhode Island is in a strong position to tackle the climate crisis, rebuild our infrastructure, and invest in an equitable economy that works for all. A new report, authored by experts at Cornell University, shows how our state leaders can seize the moment and get it done.

March 1, 2021

Labor unions form new group to combat climate change in Maine

Nicole Ogrysko, Maine Public 

More than a dozen unions have created a new Maine Labor Climate Council, which they officially launched Tuesday. The unions say Maine has an opportunity to tackle climate change, the economic fallout from the pandemic and income inequality all at once.

March 1, 2021

Commentary: It’s time for climate policies that put working people first

By Cynthia Phinney, President of the Maine AFL-CIO, a federation of 160 unions representing 40,000 workers in Maine, Bangor Daily News

The overlapping crises of climate change, widening inequality and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic present huge challenges for communities and working families throughout Maine. As the earth continues to warm we’re experiencing more intense nor’easters, worsening heat waves, rising sea levels and the ever-increasing threats to our livelihoods in our fishing-, forest- and tourism-related economies. At the same time, four decades of stagnant wages and the economic fallout from the pandemic have left a growing number of Mainers unable to keep up with skyrocketing costs of housing, food, gas and other basic necessities.

February 15, 2021

Talking solar on the Steve Scaffidi show

Robb Kahl, WTMJ

Robb Kahl, Executive Director of the Construction Business Group, talks about the benefit of hiring Wisconsin workers for utility-scale solar projects on the Steve Scaffidi show.

February 14, 2021

NYC unions rally behind ambitious new climate action plans

Isabel Song Beer, AMNY

The Climate Jobs New York (CJNY) union in conjunction with Cornell University released a report outlining recommendations to Mayor Eric Adams’ administration as well as examining the impact of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic on NYC workers and schools.