Local 3, IBEW hosted Governor Kathy Hochul at the Electrical Industry Training Center this week for the announcement of the largest-ever state investment in renewable energy (wind/solar/hydroelectric). Local 3 and Gov. Hochul were joined by White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, NYSERDA, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS AFL-CIO, Building & Construction Trades Councils of New York and Nassau & Suffolk Counties, Long Island Federation of Labor, IBEW 3rd District, Alliance for Clean Energy (ACE), League of Conservation Voters, and industry partners who are intent on growing New York’s renewable energy sector in the near future.

As the first step in Gov. Hochul’s 10-Point Action Plan, the recently announced portfolio of three offshore wind projects, two supply chain facilities, and 22 land-based large-scale renewable energy projects is projected to create 8,300 jobs and generate 6.4 gigawatts (GW) or enough to power 2.6 million homes in New York. The developer contracts will require USA-made provisions, prevailing wage, and Project Labor Agreements.

Local 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson said, “Today’s announcement is clearly indicative of Governor Hochul’s intent to move forward with a thriving offshore wind industry. This commitment includes labor protections for working men and women, the guaranteeing of good wages, the inclusion of PLA’s, and workforce development for both the construction trades and supply chain employers. This is good for New Yorkers, our employers, our environment, and the health of generations to come.” Read more here.