The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources has passed the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act, legislation to educate and train a new generation of U.S. offshore wind workers.
The H.R. 3068 legislation would provide financial support for educational institutions to develop and implement curriculum and training programs that support the creation of a workforce trained for the offshore wind industry.
It would authorize USD 25 million annually to eligible institutions including universities, community colleges, and union training programs to ensure that U.S. workers are ready to take the jobs and to further prepare the workforce to participate in the sector.
“Offshore wind energy won’t only bring clean, affordable energy to our homes and businesses, it will create jobs and empower local economies throughout New England and across our country,” said Congressman Joe Kennedy III .
“As this emerging industry continues to grow, we must ensure American workers are prepared to capitalize on this economic opportunity with good jobs, worker protections and the strength and support of labor unions. With the Natural Resources Committee’s passage of the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act, we are moving closer to building a Blue Economy that will lift up working families.”
The legislation was introduced by Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) in June 2019, while Congressman William Keating (MA-09) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.