Good jobs, good for the environment
This legislation is supported by union leaders, environmental
advocates, and career and technical education program coordinators across Rhode
Island.
This bipartisan legislation will help develop training pipelines for good-paying jobs in clean energy and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy by investing in CTE programs.
CTE programs provide students with invaluable skills-based learning for success in the jobs of tomorrow, and can help ensure that people from all backgrounds can join the industry powering America with affordable clean energy produced here at home.
“The clean energy sector is filled with good-paying jobs that do not require a traditional college degree but do require specialized training,” said Representative Magaziner. “By investing in training pipelines to develop a clean energy workforce, we can ensure that working people in Rhode Island and across the nation are equipped for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
“The Clean Energy Workforce Act proposes to expand and enhance critical educational programming that will prepare the workforce of tomorrow and help create more modern learning spaces that will benefit generations to come,” said Commissioner Infante-Green.
“I thank Congressman Magaziner for leading on this important effort which centers the needs of our students, promotes CTE and work-based learning, and will complement the work we’re doing in Rhode Island to empower students for success in college, career, and beyond.”
“The Clean Energy Workforce Act provides investments to develop the renewable energy workforce needed, as we transition to a clean economy,” said Michael F. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer, Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) and President of the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council.
“The unions of the Building Trades look forward to continuing to partner with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to provide skills-based learning that creates pathways to family-supporting union careers.”
“It
is imperative that we continue to build a strong clean energy workforce while
investing in sustainable infrastructure built with highly skilled union
tradespeople. The Clean Energy Workforce Act not only accelerates our
transition to a clean energy future but it focuses investments where it is most
important, our students,” said Erica Hammond, Field Director of Climate Jobs
Rhode Island.
“SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades,” said Joshua Klemp, Executive Director, SkillsUSA Rhode Island. “We applaud this initiative by Congressman Magaziner as it demonstrates a proactive approach towards addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector. Through collaboration with stakeholders, innovative teaching methodologies, and a focus on inclusivity, the program aims to create impactful and accessible educational pathways for students interested in pursuing careers in clean energy.”
Upon
passage, the Clean Energy Workforce Act will invest $100 million dollars in the
creation of two new grant programs:
- The Clean Energy Curriculum
Development Grants to support CTE programs in developing curricula for
emerging careers in clean energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency,
climate change mitigation, or climate change adaptation.
- The Renewable Energy Facilities
Grants program to provide CTE programs with funds to upgrade existing
facilities, develop new facilities, and acquire new educational equipment
to improve energy efficiency or convert to renewable energy.