Bill targets offshore wind worker education, training

Reps. A. Donald McEachin (D-VA), Bill Keating (D-MA), Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), and Donald Norcross (D-NJ) introduced this week legislation designed to help educate and train the next generation of American offshore wind workers.

The Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act aids colleges and universities, state and local governments, unions and nonprofits in developing curricula, internships, health and safety programs, and other activities deemed appropriate by the Secretaries of Energy, Labor, Interior and Education to advance an offshore wind workforce.

“In order to address the mounting challenges of climate change, we must build a cleaner, more sustainable economy,” McEachin said. “We need greater investment in low and no-carbon generating capacity and workforce development efforts to support the jobs this change will create. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act, which invests in the renewable energy workforce that will power our transition to a green-collar economy.”

McEachin said since his time in the Virginia General Assembly he has fought to expand the development of offshore wind capabilities. The bill would provide individuals, particularly those from low-income communities and communities of color, with the skills and training necessary for employment in the industry.”