As a union member for 28 years, I know what a difference a well-paying, employee-friendly job can make. I am proud to be a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 613, which has been committed to high safety standards, family-sustaining wages and industry-leading benefits for its members since 1891.
The IBEW is committed to protecting member rights and improving working conditions in the current technological and economic revolution. This Labor Day, I'm reflecting on the clean energy investments from the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act that are creating a new generation of good-paying union jobs that are good for our communities and our planet.
Unfortunately, like everything today, the Biden administration's clean energy plan has been caught up in political games. Some even argue for a repeal, but there is no controversy about creating more good jobs and giving Americans more energy choices. Even Republican Congressman Buddy Carter is urging his colleagues to protect the clean energy tax credits signed into law by President Biden.
Thanks to the Clean Energy Plan, companies have already announced more than 300,000 clean energy jobs and expect to create millions more over the next decade. Here in Georgia, we have seen the creation of over 32,000 new clean energy jobs and millions of dollars in new investment. The law is expected to generate more than $1 billion for clean power generation and energy storage in Georgia by 2030, meaning even more local jobs and opportunities for Georgia residents.
Union jobs are gaining momentum in the growing clean energy economy. The law provides incentives for companies to create workforce development and training programs that can increase workers' wages, allowing them to earn $300,000 more in wages and benefits over the course of their careers. Additionally, three-quarters of these new jobs do not require the cost of a four-year degree.
These are well-paying jobs that allow you to raise a family.
Not only are the jobs created by the Clean Energy Plan more unionized than the overall energy workforce, but prevailing wage requirements apply that protect the gains made by unions and help close racial and gender pay gaps.
As an electrician and IBEW member, I am proud to go to work every day to build the infrastructure for more renewable energy and a more resilient grid. Renewable energy helps reduce harmful emissions that pollute our air and warm our planet.
Investing in renewable energy also helps families like mine save money on their electricity bills, which also rise as summer temperatures rise. By installing solar panels and switching to energy efficient appliances, we can receive tax credits and rebates. Often the work is done by union workers. It's a win-win situation.
Thanks to the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act, I know that there will be jobs like mine for the next generation in every corner of the country – especially in communities most in need of good jobs and cheaper energy. As we continue to invest in renewable energy, solar and wind energy will only become cheaper and more accessible. I'm proud to help ensure America leads the world in modernizing energy infrastructure.
We will continue to demand a fair and pro-union future and fight for leaders who will work hard to support this mission. Repealing the Biden administration's Clean Energy Plan would cause America to fall behind and defund American workers. We must go forward, not backward.
