Labor and environmental organizations today celebrated the passage of AB5, which codifies into law protections for workers often misclassified by companies as independent contractors, by California’s legislature.

The priorities are intended to help Congress craft a comprehensive package that will repair and modernize the nation’s infrastructure in a way that will support the creation of high-quality jobs, reduce the emissions driving climate change, and make our communities more resilient.

As a coalition of the nation’s largest labor unions and environmental groups, collectively representing millions of members and supporters, we write to urge you to swiftly move forward an ambitious plan to rebuild and transform America’s infrastructure. If done right, such a plan will boost our economy and create millions of jobs, while simultaneously reducing pollution, combating climate change, and strengthening our communities.

The transition to a clean, equitable economy that works for everyone starts in California, as recent efforts across the state show.

The BlueGreen Alliance’s Deputy Director Michael Williams today testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change at a hearing entitled, “Time for Action: Addressing the Environmental and Economic Effects of Climate Change.”

California requires everyone from hair stylists and food handlers to doctors and lawyers to hold occupational credentials to work in California. But when it comes to the complex work of revamping homes and buildings to reduce wasted energy, anything goes… at least until a month ago.

 The California Air Resources Board voted today to mandate that all transit agencies in California operate 100 percent zero emission transit buses by 2040, and to use this transition to invest in workforce development training programs in manufacturing, infrastructure installation, and maintenance.  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released their plan to roll back the nation’s successful vehicle fuel economy and emissions standards. The current standards have spurred innovation and investment across the nation’s automotive and manufacturing sectors and are helping create and preserve jobs across America.

A new report released today shows $76 billion in investment in the nation’s automotive plants over the past decade as automakers implement current fuel economy standards. 

Business, Labor, and Environmental Leaders Say Current Administration’s Intention to Withdraw from Paris Agreement Isn’t Stopping Climate Action in United States

State Infrastructure Projects to be Subject to New, Low-Carbon Product Standards

Infrastructure Improvements Could Create 14.5 Million Job-Years, Increase GDP By 1.66 Trillion, Reduce Emissions Over Next Decade