For IBEW members, energy jobs have driven record membership growth across the country. But the sustained campaign by the Trump administration against renewable projects has turned potential into disappointment, particularly in the offshore wind industry.
Between the lines: A project to build more than 100 wind turbines off the coast of Maryland’s Eastern Shore recently lost a $47 million federal grant for port improvements. In September, the federal government revoked the project’s permit.
Local 24 business manager Michael McHale said the U.S. Offshore Wind project has been set back by the hurdles thrown up by the Trump administration, but that is not the end of the story about offshore wind.
The big picture: “It is going to happen,” he said. “It’s just a matter of when.”
McHale said the jobs potential for offshore wind is great, for electricians, as well as carpenters, longshoremen, and other spinoff job creation. “These projects will give union building trades — especially this local union — the ability to offer more of our neighbors and fellow citizens the same life-changing opportunity I was given way back in 1985.”
To combat misinformation and promote the economic benefits, unions, climate groups and renewable energy advocates formed the Offshore Wind Alliance. On Oct. 31, Local 24 hosted a widely attended press conference that reflected support for the jobs and the renewable energy the project will create. It is among several national events the group is planning in the coming months.
“Offshore wind is a vital part of making sure that we address the major priorities in the United States of America,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. “When we move toward renewable energy, we’re not only bringing down costs and creating more jobs, but we’re also helping protect our health and our environment.”
For Local 24, at stake are up to 500 jobs between onshore construction and maintenance and offshore installation.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration’s actions targeting renewable energy projects extends beyond wind generation. Climate Power estimates that more than 158,000 jobs have been lost or stalled in the renewable energy sector in the past year, which totals $52.5 billion in private investment in wind, solar, hydrogen, grid and transmission, electric vehicles, carbon capture and more.
“Renewables should be considered important tools in our all-of-the-above energy policy,” said Austin Keyser, Fourth District vice president. “With increasing prices and demand, we can’t afford to leave offshore wind power out of our arsenal.”
Cancelled or delayed generation projects are reducing energy supply at a critical moment.
“We need the power,” McHale said. “We are in a power crunch.”