In yet another attack on the longstanding and broadly agreed upon framework of clean car regulation, the Trump administration is shortly expected to move to revoke California’s authority to set vehicle emissions standards more protective than the federal government.

Labor and environmental organizations today celebrated the passage of AB5, which codifies into law protections for workers often misclassified by companies as independent contractors, by California’s legislature.

Manufacturing towns dot the nation, and advanced manufacturing helps provide the foundation for the economy in major regions of the United States. Industries like the steel and automotive industries supported good-paying jobs, middle-class families, and prosperous communities for decades, while also spurring American leadership in innovation and technology. That’s still true in some areas. But in many others, factories have closed or new industries offer jobs that all too often are poorly paid, insecure, or unsafe.

The priorities are intended to help Congress craft a comprehensive package that will repair and modernize the nation’s infrastructure in a way that will support the creation of high-quality jobs, reduce the emissions driving climate change, and make our communities more resilient.

As a coalition of the nation’s largest labor unions and environmental groups, collectively representing millions of members and supporters, we write to urge you to swiftly move forward an ambitious plan to rebuild and transform America’s infrastructure. If done right, such a plan will boost our economy and create millions of jobs, while simultaneously reducing pollution, combating climate change, and strengthening our communities.

Clean Buildings for Washington Act and Bill to Move State to 100 Percent Carbon-Free Energy Signed Into Law in Olympia

The transition to a clean, equitable economy that works for everyone starts in California, as recent efforts across the state show.

Our coalition has endorsed Substitute HB 1257, the Clean Buildings for Washington Act, because we believe it helps promote our shared priorities to create a clean and fair economy.

The BlueGreen Alliance’s Deputy Director Michael Williams today testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change at a hearing entitled, “Time for Action: Addressing the Environmental and Economic Effects of Climate Change.”

California requires everyone from hair stylists and food handlers to doctors and lawyers to hold occupational credentials to work in California. But when it comes to the complex work of revamping homes and buildings to reduce wasted energy, anything goes… at least until a month ago.

 The California Air Resources Board voted today to mandate that all transit agencies in California operate 100 percent zero emission transit buses by 2040, and to use this transition to invest in workforce development training programs in manufacturing, infrastructure installation, and maintenance.  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released their plan to roll back the nation’s successful vehicle fuel economy and emissions standards. The current standards have spurred innovation and investment across the nation’s automotive and manufacturing sectors and are helping create and preserve jobs across America.