U.S. Senate Democrats introduce bill to help workers displaced by shift to clean energy

A group of Democratic U.S. senators introduced a bill last week that seeks to provide training opportunities and resources for workers whose jobs are impacted by the shift to renewable energy.

The American Energy Worker Opportunity Act would create a worker transition program with wage supplements, health care benefits, education and training funds, and educational benefit for children of laid-off workers

“For decades, America relied on fossil fuels to power our nation,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), one of the billʻs sponsors, said. “As we transition to a clean energy future, we cannot leave workers in these industries behind. The American Energy Worker Opportunity Act would create a worker-centered plan to support workers, their families and communities that have relied on fossil-fuel production as our energy needs change. Our Build Back Better budget makes major investments in renewable energy, and we must use this once-in-a generation opportunity to support our energy workforce through this transition.”

Specifically, the bill applies to workers whose employment is terminated from a coal mine, coal-fired power plant, coal transport, or oil refinery, provided that the worker was employed continuously and full time for at least 12 months prior to layoff.

That worker would receive wage replacement or supplement along with the ability to maintain health benefits and contribute to retirement. Further, workers will be eligible for grants for education and training up to and including a four-year degree, as well as educational grants for the children of dislocated workers.

“We can’t allow the workers who powered our country to get left behind as we adopt new technology and grow the renewable energy sector,” Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), another sponsor of the bill, said. “Often it’s not a matter of starting over and retraining for a whole new career, we’re not telling coalminers to go learn to code – it’s just about updating your skills, taking a training course or two to get a job in a related field.”

Joining Baldwin and Brown as sponsors of the legislation are Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

“Workers in our coal mines, power plants, steel mills and other emission intensive manufacturing sites provided the electricity and materials that have powered the American economy since the Industrial Revolution. We have a responsibility to ensure that these workers and their families are not left behind,” Casey said.

The bill is endorsed by the United Mine Workers of America International, United Steelworkers (USW) International, the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, BlueGreen Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, LCV, NRDC, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.