Program would authorize $25 million annually to prepare workers for the offshore wind opportunities unlocked by the Inflation Reduction Act
Washington (November 3, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety and a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reintroduced the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act, legislation that would support offshore wind workforce development that meets the needs of the offshore wind and maritime industry through a new grant program. More specifically, the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act would help create thousands of good-paying union jobs in coastal communities through apprenticeship programs, maritime centers of excellence, and institutions of higher education.
The legislation would also help the Biden administration achieve its goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. First, the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act would direct the Secretary of Labor to identify the offshore wind industry’s workforce needs by engaging with the offshore wind industry, maritime industry, eligible entities, local governments, ports, and nonprofit organizations. Based on this workforce gap analysis, the Secretary of Labor would establish a grant program in consultation with the Secretary of Energy to support the training of both new and current workers, provide tuition financing, and support apprenticeship programs.
“Billions of dollars in clean energy investments are being unlocked from the Inflation Reduction Act, including my Offshore Wind American Manufacturing Act. We must ensure that our offshore wind workforce is ready,” said Senator Markey. “The Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act would prepare workers with the skills and training needed to supercharge our grid with clean energy powered by offshore wind. I will continue to push for the winds of change to blow off the shores of Massachusetts and other coastal communities throughout the nation so that our workers can benefit from this clean energy force.”
“There is much work to be done to bring offshore wind online effectively and efficiently -- that includes ensuring we have access to talent,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our legislation will invest in job training programs to prepare the next generation of workers to fill well-paying jobs that help meet America’s offshore wind goals.”
“I’m proud that Virginia is developing the largest offshore wind project in the country, creating thousands of good-paying jobs,” said Senator Kaine. “This legislation will help us train the workforce we need to fill those jobs and expand economic growth. I will continue to do all that I can to help workers access job training programs and to create good-paying jobs in the Commonwealth.”
“Offshore wind represents an enormous opportunity for Maryland, not just to achieve our clean energy goals, but also to reinvigorate our maritime and manufacturing industries,” said Senator Cardin. “Investing in our workers is the first step. Our legislation will support ongoing efforts to establish the state as an offshore wind manufacturing hub by providing workers with the training and support they need to enter the green economy.”
“The Inflation Reduction Act’s historic investments in offshore wind energy are helping fuel an American manufacturing boom – and creating major demand for a skilled workforce to power it – which is already taking shape in my home state of Maryland,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This bill will equip workers to seize the good-paying union job opportunities made possible by our efforts to grow America’s clean energy economy and fight the global climate crisis.”
A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.
Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
Senator Markey has long been a champion for offshore wind. The offshore wind manufacturing production tax credit and investment tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act, were based on Senator Markey’s Offshore Wind American Manufacturing Act, which incentivizes offshore wind technology and vessels that are made in America, and his Offshore WIND Act to extend the designated investment tax credit.
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