GWA mobilizing to save renewable energy jobs!

It's crunch time for GWA members fighting to preserve renewable energy tax credits! From the halls of Congress to media appearances, members are all-in to save solar and wind jobs. Many of these jobs are at risk due to House legislation that could end these credits.

Wind tech Joe Zimsen's op-ed defending the credits was published yesterday in one of Iowa's leading newspapers, The Gazette. Joe is an Iowa resident and has spent years maintaining wind farms in the state. Iowa’s members of Congress are playing a key role in the debate over the credits, making this piece especially important. Joe wrote:

“My work isn’t just a job, it’s a great career. This industry pays well, jobs like mine can’t be offshored, and many are in rural communities. It feels good to work on something my community needs: The projects I’ve worked on power hundreds of thousands of homes with clean, reliable electricity. But without continued support from Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits, many similar projects across Iowa could stall, leaving both workers and communities without the economic and environmental benefits they provide.”

Joe also participated in a press conference last week for Iowa reporters regarding the impact of clean energy tax credits on the state, and stressing how devastating the end of these credits could be. This Monday, Arlo Nichols joined Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix and Mayor Daniel Rickenmann of Columbia, SC, in a national press conference addressing the issue. Arlo, a wind tech based in Corpus Christi, TX, travels across the country doing maintenance on wind turbines. He talked about how wind provides American energy built by Americans. Joe and Arlo's stories about their experiences in the wind field were very powerful parts of these events.

Wind tech Shane Munos joined members of the group United Today, Stronger Tomorrow from the heartland states and Alaska for a legislative fly-in in DC this week. Shane works in rural Iowa, maintaining wind farms. He emphasized to his members of Congress the importance of preserving renewable energy tax credits for workers like him. Shane had productive discussions with senior staff from Senators Charles Grassley and Joni Ernst, as well as Rep. Randy Feenstra.

Finally, we continue to encourage GWA members to write their members of Congress. Not only does this make a difference to the current debate, but it is also increasing civic involvement and political knowledge among GWA members, many of whom were disengaged from the political process but are increasingly aware of the impact of elected officials’ decisions on their livelihoods.

Whether we win or lose this fight, there will be more battles ahead for workers in this industry. GWA members will continue to mobilize for renewable energy jobs. We appreciate your continued support!