Press Releases & Statements / Clean Economy Union Jobs
Governor Jared Polis signed SB23-292, the Labor Requirements For Energy Sector Construction Act. This legislation was originally sponsored by Senators Steve Fenberg and Chris Hansen and Representatives Monica Duran and Shannon Bird. The new law adds a category of energy sector public works projects to existing state prevailing wage law.
Testimony & Comments / Clean Economy Union Jobs
Dr. Harris discussed how the Inflation Reduction Act delivers strong investments in clean energy that will support and create high-quality, union jobs, particularly in hard-hit communities, while helping reach our climate goals. She concluded by saying, “Since the Inflation Reduction Act passed, companies have announced over $242 billion in clean energy investments in 41 states where…
Press Releases & Statements / Infrastructure and Community Resilience
Today the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a six-month pilot of new requirements for the procurement of low-embodied carbon (LEC) materials as funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. The GSA received $2.15 billion to prioritize the purchase of LEC glass, asphalt, concrete, and steel, which collectively account for nearly half of all U.S. manufacturing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and represent 98% of the government’s purchased construction materials.
Press Releases & Statements / Manufacturing and Industrial Policy
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today released guidance on the domestic content bonus credit for the clean energy tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act. For the first time ever, this additional credit will be available for developers using components and materials sourced directly from U.S. manufacturers. These credits are combined with historic supply-side investments in clean technology manufacturing.
Press Releases & Statements / Clean Economy Union Jobs
Governor Jared Polis today signed HB23-1252—The Thermal Energy Act, which expands the definition of a clean heat resource to include thermal energy systems, requires the Public Utilities Commission to create rules around this technology, and encourages developers to propose new thermal energy pilot projects.
Blog / Clean Economy Union Jobs
The Washington BlueGreen Alliance took on its largest, most diverse advocacy effort yet for the 2023 Legislative Session. One of the principal themes in our agenda was the importance of developing the net-zero workforce that Washington will need to meet our state’s clean energy goals. The following bills—all of which passed the State Legislature this year—represent progress towards that goal in one of three ways.
Press Releases & Statements / Infrastructure and Community Resilience
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced the rollout of the $1 billion Inflation Reduction Act Green and Resilient Retrofits Program. The announcement took place at the Dunn Family Coop Apartments in Center Line, MI and was followed by a roundtable discussion attended by BlueGreen Alliance Michigan Regional Program Manager Frank Houston.
Letters / Clean Economy Union Jobs
Airport service workers are the backbone of American aviation. From cleaning planes and handling baggage, to protecting airports and performing maintenance, service workers keep airline infrastructure up and running. Securing better and more stable working conditions in our airports will not only advance a just economy, but will support this essential workforce in providing a 21st century transportation system to keep passengers safe and on-time.
Testimony & Comments / Manufacturing and Industrial Policy
We appreciate the opportunity to help shape the impact of this program on the workers and communities it is meant to support. We offer the following guiding principles, which shape our responses to questions from the Office of Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chains (MESC).
Blog / Infrastructure and Community Resilience
After concrete and cement, steel is one of the most commonly used materials in the world. With applications from construction and infrastructure to transportation and manufacturing, its necessity in modern society is unmistakable. BUT—there’s always a but—making steel is energy and carbon intensive. Without action, emissions from steelmaking are going to be a bigger problem. Until recently, no mechanism existed to incentivize or reward U.S. manufacturers for producing some of the cleanest steel in the world. Enter BUY CLEAN!
Testimony & Comments / Manufacturing and Industrial Policy
Investing in Large Power Transformer (LPT) manufacturing is an excellent opportunity to put people to work in the clean economy. Most of the jobs associated with transformer manufacturing are already union jobs. New federal investments going towards supporting a build out of the domestic LPT supply chain should continue to reinforce these high-road, family sustaining jobs.
Press Releases & Statements / Clean Economy Union Jobs
Governor Jay Inslee yesterday signed the Climate-Ready Communities Act, legislation that establishes the Washington Climate Corps Network. The Washington Climate Corps Network will identify and grow climate-related service opportunities for young adults and veterans. People participating in the program will help create clean energy, low-carbon, climate-resilient communities around the state.