Pennsylvania trade unions push for clean energy jobs as the state transitions away from fossil fuels

A coalition of Pennsylvania unions has launched Union Energy to ensure that workers benefit from the state’s shift to clean energy while advocating for unionized jobs in emerging industries.

Gautama Mehta reports for Grist.

In short:

• Pennsylvania’s fossil fuel industry is shrinking, and clean energy jobs have yet to fully replace lost positions.
• Union Energy, led by the AFL-CIO, aims to secure good-quality union jobs in the clean energy sector.
• Training programs are also being created to help workers transition into new roles, such as cleaning up abandoned oil and gas wells.

Key quote:

“We want clean air, we want clean water, we want to be able to see our children and grandchildren run atound the earth like we did as children.”

— Angela Ferritto, president of Pennsylvania's AFL-CIO

Why this matters:

As Pennsylvania transitions to clean energy, ensuring that jobs are unionized and well-paid is crucial for workers' economic security. Collaboration between unions and environmental groups could accelerate this shift.

Related:

• Solar power at Pennsylvania schools doubled during the pandemic
• Pennsylvania governor signs controversial carbon storage bill into law, paving the way for hydrogen hubs
• Western Pennsylvania can meet its climate goals — if the region stops subsidizing natural gas