Key facts
- Unions are actively fighting to preserve and expand unionized jobs in the clean energy sector, particularly offshore wind.
- The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been instrumental in incentivizing clean energy projects that include strong labor standards.
- Donald Trump has targeted clean energy initiatives, including offshore wind, seeking to dismantle gains made under the Biden administration.
- The Climate Jobs National Resource Center (CJNRC) and its state-level affiliates are working to ensure clean energy jobs are unionized and well-paying.
- The movement to center workers in climate policy gained momentum after Hurricane Sandy.
Labor leaders are actively defending and promoting unionized jobs in the clean energy sector, particularly offshore wind, against what they describe as attacks from Donald Trump's administration. The movement gained significant traction following Hurricane Sandy, leading to the formation of organizations like the Climate Jobs National Resource Center (CJNRC) and its state affiliates.
These groups have worked to center workers in climate policy discussions, ensuring that the transition to clean energy creates high-quality, unionized jobs. A key legislative achievement was the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed by President Joe Biden, which provides substantial incentives for clean energy projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. This act has been crucial in making good jobs a central component of the clean energy buildout.
New York has been a focal point, with unions successfully advocating for ambitious offshore wind targets and securing strong labor and equity provisions for renewable energy projects. These efforts have led to the development of projects like Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind, providing workers like Ryan McElroen with new career opportunities. The success in New York and other states has been amplified by the IRA, which has solidified partnerships between labor and environmental groups.
However, the Trump administration has begun to challenge these gains, targeting federal incentives and specifically criticizing offshore wind projects. Labor leaders and advocates are preparing to counter these efforts, emphasizing that workers do not have to choose between good jobs and climate action.