Maximizing the use of union labor for offshore wind development can ensure the best return on investment for taxpayers and support the administration’s equity goals—union households earn up to 20% more than nonunion households. Workers of color and workers with less formal education see even greater advantages. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released the annual United States Energy and Employment Report (USEER). The report noted job growth in the renewable energy sector—particularly in the solar (5.4%) and wind (2.9%) industries. Additionally, jobs in  electric and hybrid vehicles grew by 25%. 

The Colorado BlueGreen Alliance Table worked together to ensure that quality climate solutions and licensed worker supports were the focus of a variety of bills this session. 

Leaders from the U.S. Departments of Interior, Energy, and Transportation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, and governors from eleven East Coast states today gathered to announce the formation of a new Federal-State Offshore Wind Implementation Partnership.

In April, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released new guidance on the application of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) policy in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) signed by President Biden last year.

The BlueGreen Alliance released a letter calling on Majority Leader Schumer to support ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which would lead to significant benefits for our climate, workers, and the economy.

On June 6th, President Biden made waves among policy wonks and activists alike by invoking a Korean War-era law to revitalize manufacturing and take on the climate crisis. Citing authority under the Defense Production Act (DPA), the President gave a legal green light for the federal government to directly purchase five clean energy goods from U.S. manufacturers: solar panel parts, heat pumps, building insulation, green hydrogen inputs, and electric grid components.

As DOE works to implement the Transmission Facilitation Program, it must ensure that these investments support workers and communities and translate into high-road, union jobs, and accessible jobs for workers of color and other segments of the population historically left behind.

Cleaning up abandoned mines is a great example of how America’s environmental challenges can also be economic opportunities. These abandoned mines pose a clear threat to the environment, public health and safety, and wildlife. Millions of Americans live less than a mile from an abandoned coal mine. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) laying out standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations built using federal funding authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which passed last year.

Governor Jared Polis signed the Fund Just Transition Community and Worker Supports bill, allocating funds for just transition programs throughout coal communities in Colorado.

Gov. Jared Polis is expected to sign SB22-051, Policies To Reduce Emissions From Built Environment. The bill establishes a tax incentive for the installation of heat pumps in buildings and includes provisions requiring that certified contractors complete larger-scale projects. Additionally, a Buy Clean incentive, which encourages the use of building materials produced with lower emissions, will start in July 2024.