Washington, DC – Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA) has reintroduced the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act, legislation to educate and train a new generation of American offshore wind workers.

"At a moment in our history when we are at a true crossroads with climate change and the need for clean energy, we are proud in Southeastern Massachusetts to be developing one of the first off-shore wind energy sites in the country. The jobs created here will coexist with our traditional economy, benefit new industries, and improve many communities while protecting our environment in a responsible way," said Keating.

"There are plenty of hard-working Americans who are ready, willing, and able to train in the wind industry, which has a proven track record of creating long-term, high-paying jobs. This legislation will help us meet our goal of ensuring that we have a well-trained, local workforce ready on day one."

The federal grant program created by this legislation will assist colleges and universities, state and local governments, unions, and nonprofits develop curricula, internships, health and safety programs, and other activities deemed appropriate by the Secretaries of Energy, Labor, Interior, and Education to advance an offshore wind workforce. The bill prioritizes grants to community colleges, organizations that service minority populations, and those helping workers from other industries transition to the offshore wind industry.

The legislation has four original cosponsors: Congressmen Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), A. Donald McEachin (D-VA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ).

Information from Rep. William Keating's (D-Mass.)  Office

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