WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Congressman David McKinley (R-WV) today introduced the 21^st Century Energy Workforce Act to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to incentivize training for skilled energy industry jobs.

“Investing in America’s energy infrastructure is vital to our country’s growth. We need to build a 21^st century energy grid that’s safe, reliable, and secure--and one that delivers power to our homes and businesses utilizing multiple sources,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01). “To accomplish these goals, we need to train workers for tomorrow’s skilled jobs, now. This is a necessary investment in our country and our workforce.”

"Investing in our energy infrastructure will stimulate the economy, create jobs, and make America more secure. In order to build the best power plants, pipelines, dams, and electric grids, we need the best possible workforce. This bipartisan legislation will help train our workers and provide them with the skills they need to keep America competitive in the global economy," said Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-01).

The legislation calls for the establishment of a competitive grant that gives priority to programs with qualified job training services at universities, community colleges and registered apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the program would work to identify active-duty service members transitioning to out of the military and veterans for careers in the energy sector, as well as offering mentorship programs for elementary and high school students.

“I graduated from an IBEW apprenticeship program, something I like to call ‘the other four-year college,’ where I learned how to work with my hands to power South Jersey,” said Congressman Norcross. “This legislation will utilize existing apprenticeship programs, like the one I completed, which allows young men and women to earn while they learn.”

This legislation also creates a DOE advisory board to ensure the workforce can meet current and future labor needs in the energy sector, which is expected to add more than 1.5 million jobs over the next 15 years. The board would include representatives from the federal government, the energy industry, labor organizations, local governments, and education.

The bipartisan bill is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which in partnership with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) through the electrical training ALLIANCE, sponsors apprenticeships across the United States, including the program Congressman Norcross completed.

“Building a skilled energy workforce to meet the needs of a modernized electrical grid must be one of our nation’s top priorities,” said IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson. “I commend Reps. Norcross and McKinley for reaching across the aisle and taking leadership in calling on Congress to support programs that are training the next generation of energy industry workers.” 

The 21^st Century Energy Workforce Act is also endorsed by the Edison Electric Institute, which advocates for safe, reliable, affordable, and clean energy, and whose member companies provide electricity to 220 million Americans.

"EEI thanks Representative Norcross for his commitment to strategic workforce development programs for the energy industry," said Edison Electric Institute President Tom Kuhn. "Building a diverse, highly skilled energy workforce is a critical component of meeting our customers' evolving needs and expectations. Through the Center for Energy Workforce Development, EEI is leading efforts among electric and natural gas companies and their associations, organized labor, educators, and other stakeholders to develop scalable solutions to deliver the 21^st-century workforce we need to sustain the incredible transformation taking place in our industry. We welcome Representative Norcross' plan to bolster these programs and to create new pathways for students to enter into an industry that powers our communities and drives our economy."

Congressmen Norcross and McKinley are founding members of the Bipartisan Congressional Building Trades Caucus, which recently led a group of lawmakers petitioning the Trump Administration to embrace a bipartisan infrastructure agenda.

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