The construction sector holds a large responsibility in adopting more sustainable building options – and President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has been a strong catalyst for advancement. Since the bill passed in late 2021, over $8 billion has been announced for major nationwide projects. As these projects start to be carried out in cities across the country, it’s crucial for them to be backed by a workforce that is skilled and ready to make them happen – especially since many of them are leading the future of renewable energy.

Hydrogen Hubs Prompt Regional Job Creation

President Biden’s BIL initiated the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) program, awarding $7 billion in funding to projects to accelerate the production of low-cost, clean hydrogen. The seven recipients of the regional clean hydrogen hubs span across 20 states, including two in the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters Union) footprint. This enables our workforce to leverage their competitive skill sets and gain new ones for this growing sustainable industry.

Trained and Ready to Dive into Offshore Wind

In addition to clean hydrogen, the offshore wind sector has been a key focus for sustainable energy in the U.S., with New Jersey at the forefront of this growing industry. With Atlantic Shores progressing with their 1,510MW offshore wind project, along with two new projects awarded to Invenergy and energyRE’s Leading Light Wind Project and Attentive Energy LLC’s Attentive Energy Two, the projects are expected to create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

The offshore wind projects offer immense opportunities for trained carpenters, pile drivers, millwrights and commercial divers. And due to the significant investments in training and certification, the EAS Carpenters Union members are ready to meet the demands of the new energy economy.

Located in Sicklerville, NJ, the EAS Commercial Dive Center is the nation’s first union-owned and operated dive training facility, and the first and only trade union in the U.S. to earn accreditation from the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

Earlier this year, the EAS Carpenters Union celebrated its inaugural class, and just recently celebrated its second. Opened in the spring of 2022, the facility offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience for members of the EAS Carpenters Union. By enrolling, individuals gain the essential knowledge and expertise in critical areas like manual handling, fire awareness, and sea survival, equipping them with a competitive advantage for bidding on both onshore and offshore contracts.

Increase in Domestic Energy Production

Additionally, the Biden administration’s proposal to reopen nuclear power plants underscores the need for trained, specialized divers to minimize contamination risks among workers. As these projects progress, the EAS Carpenters Union is prepared and ready to expand its energy portfolio.

Involvement in the H2Hubs, offshore wind projects and potential nuclear power plants represent EAS Carpenters Union’s commitment to ensuring their members have great jobs and opportunities for generations to come. Our Council and members will continue to be advocates for the industry’s advancements in the green economy.