State and local governments have begun taking concrete steps toward a clean energy economy, and for now, even under Donald Trump, green union jobs are increasing.
Meanwhile, unions have partnered with climate activists to win legislation for more such jobs. Six states have passed “climate jobs” bills to expand renewable energy and raise labor standards for that construction. Four more have union coalitions advocating for such legislation.
Will the green surge continue? And if it does, will workers reap the economic benefits — or get left behind?
The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) opened the door for clean energy projects across the country. Many IRA tax credits were designed to encourage the use of high-wage union labor. But under the Trump administration, most of this IRA funding is either in limbo or has been canceled outright.
Still, more workers are getting experience on jobs that will be central to the potential clean energy economy of the future.
How do workers feel about these jobs? And are they laying the groundwork for more workers to embrace a clean energy transition?
The solar panels we see on rooftops of public buildings and private homes are relatively easy to install, and unions like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have many members with experience in the industry.
IBEW Local 3 has a solar training program based in Long Island, New York, that is required for all apprentices. Chris Schroth, a Local 3 member, says increased solar work provides a hedge against unemployment when there’s a slowdown in…
Auteur: Paul Prescod
