March 05, 2020

KENNEDY ADVOCATES FOR LOCAL LABOR IN OFFSHORE WIND INDUSTRY

Washington, D.C. -- In a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, Congressman Joe Kennedy III called on state officials to ensure an emerging offshore wind industry employed local workers with living wages and strong labor protections. While celebrating economic development commitments from existing offshore wind projects, Kennedy also raised concerns about the cost of transporting materials from any international manufacturers awarded contracts over domestic businesses.

“An emerging offshore wind industry in our Commonwealth can provide more than reliable, affordable clean energy, it can create jobs and economic growth. As our region becomes a model for the rest of our country to follow, it is absolutely critical that federal and state governments advocate for the local workers who are ready and willing to fill those jobs. Local union labor and local businesses will become the lifeblood on this industry and they deserve our unconditional support.”

To read his letter, please click here. In January, Congressman Kennedy and Congressman Bill Keating’s Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act passed the House Natural Resources Committee to advance to the House Floor. Kennedy has advocated for the creation of a Blue Economy along the South Coast of Massachusetts.

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For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2020

Contact:
Dan Black (202) 225-5931