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Grow the Zero Carbon Energy Sector and Organize the Manufacturing Supply Chain
The IAM can advocate for more clean energy investments with strong labor standards attached. The IAM's expertise in precision manufacturing and maintenance aligns well with the production and upkeep of clean energy technologies, and the union can play a crucial role in this transition.
Federal incentives are expected to help build 580 GW of new clean energy capacity and create 340,000 to 380,000 jobs by 2035.303 The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allocates $9.5 billion for clean hydrogen initiatives, while some states offer additional tax credits, rebates, and incentives.304 Similarly in Canada, the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) for Clean
304 U.S. Department of Energy, “U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap.”
Energy allows businesses to deduct the costs of eligible clean energy equipment, providing immediate tax savings and encouraging investment in solar, wind, and geothermal systems.305
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides over $100 billion in clean energy tax breaks, offering strong financial incentives for the development of renewable energy, battery storage, electric vehicles, and more.306 IRA provisions include credits of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles and up to 30% off the cost of solar panels and heat pumps.307 The emerging solar industry could create 29,000 new manufacturing and installation jobs.308 Land-based wind power capacity increased by 8.5 GW in 2022, resulting in a total of 125,580 full-time jobs.309 Geothermal energy development could create up to 262,000 additional jobs over the next 25 years.310 Building 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 could create over 50,000 jobs in the next 5 years.311 Similarly, clean hydrogen production is expected to rise significantly, potentially generating 100,000 new jobs by 2030 in related infrastructure and construction projects.312
As the clean energy supply chain grows, the IAM can add members while fighting for fair wages, job security, and good working conditions. The union should advocate for strong labor standards on incentives for clean energy manufacturing at all levels of government. Additionally, to ensure local economic development and national security, the IAM should advocate that critical industries have access to affordable renewable energy sources. To build union density, the IAM should join multi-union climate jobs coalitions to secure a voice for labor at all levels of the clean energy transition.