Creating Good Union Jobs in Offshore Wind

Building an offshore wind industry in Maine has the potential to create thousands of jobs in manufacturing, construction, operations, maintenance, and maritime activities — and building a port is the best way to maximize the energy and job benefits for Maine. We must take deliberate steps to not only make sure these are high-quality, family-sustaining union jobs that advance equity, but that Maine builds this industry in ways that protect and invest in the livelihoods of our lobstering and commercial fishing communities.

On Tuesday, May 9 at 1pm, the Labor and Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on legislation (LD 1818) that would set strong standards for port facilities that are necessary for building offshore wind at scale, and puts Maine in a strong position to secure the permits and federal funding to actually build such facilities. The measure would maximize federal ports funding opportunities by requiring offshore wind developers using state port facilities to enter into Project Labor Agreements and Labor Peace Agreements. It also requires developers to prioritize the utilization of registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and hiring a diverse local workforce. Let us know if you want to testify.