Our virtual spring gathering included an initial dialogue about “rebuilding CT’s economy with climate justice solutions.” That conversation continued when we convened a meeting with 25+ CT labor leaders to launch a new collaboration that will develop a comprehensive climate jobs agenda, identifying opportunities to create family-sustaining local jobs through climate-friendly infrastructure investment.
Speaking of which… last week the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) considered the power purchase agreement for the 804-MW Park City Wind project that will bring jobs and economic development to the Greater Bridgeport area. (Read CRCJ’s submitted comments in support of the agreement.)
Last week also brought more details about what will be the region’s largest solar installation. That’s good news for the climate, but it raises questions about who will get the jobs and whether they will be high quality jobs. CRCJ and our labor allies succeeded in winning a requirement that all offshore wind projects pay prevailing wage and have Project Labor Agreements. CT should follow NY’s example and implement the same requirement for ALL large-scale clean energy projects.
This week’s news that a temperature of 100F was recorded inside the Arctic Circle reinforces the urgency of climate action, and we have an opportunity to address both the climate crisis and the economic crisis simultaneously.
Author: Aisha K. Staggers
Provider of "proactive and strategic communications" with a solid background in print and digital journalism. Communications Director of Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs.