Electricians are the frontline soldiers in the fight for a sustainable future. They install and maintain every major weapon we have against climate change from decarbonization, electrification, and solar arrays to wind turbines and electric vehicle charging stations.
The most skilled and experienced electricians with these systems happen to belong to the IBEW.
IBEW Local 26 has been partnering with environmentalists, nonprofits, governments, and industry leaders to advance the transition to a sustainable carbon future. Almost a year ago, Local 26 created the Green Energy Collaboration, bringing stakeholders together to prepare for the upcoming Inflation Reduction Act grants and tax credits. The Biden administration has also incentivized using union labor and the IBEW has been happy to teach the industry about new labor standards.
On March 20th IBEW Local 26 co-hosted an event with The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) and the Baltimore/D.C.-Metro Building Trades Council. The event, Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits and Workforce Standards Workshop, brought in headliners Betony Jones, Director of the Office of Energy Jobs, and Congressman Glenn Ivey.
“Energizing people to fully take advantage of incentives in the environmental realm is important work,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey. “Talking about the economy in ways that show just how important the Inflation Reduction Act is to everyday Americans is one way to build momentum. I look forward to being a part of this forum to disseminate meaningful information.”
The workshop was an opportunity for contractors and developers to learn how to take advantage of IRA tax credits. The IRA includes tax credits and workforce standards for clean energy jobs in the solar industry, electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy efficiency, fleet electrification, clean energy, and renewable energy sectors.
The event also promoted business opportunities for local contractors with an emphasis on women and minority-owned businesses. It did so by encouraging the creation of clean energy jobs that pay prevailing wages and provide registered apprenticeship training.
Being at the forefront of changing technology is nothing new for the IBEW. For years, our electricians have received special training to install wind turbines off the coast. For example, in the DMV, Local 26 offers EVTIP certification to install EV charging stations. In addition, Kelly Electric, one of our NECA contractors, built the largest solar array in the history of DC.
The Electrical Alliance of IBEW and NECA will continue to prioritize protecting our environment through innovative sustainability solutions and partnerships like the Green Energy Collaboration.
