AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka statement on the recommendations of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis:
We congratulate the committee, led by Rep. Kathy Castor and charged by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, for putting forward recommendations that would address the climate crisis in a way that recognizes the importance of maintaining and expanding high-quality jobs through robust labor standards. The recommendations do not rule out technologies and pathways that already support life-sustaining careers in the energy sector, while they call for passage of the PRO Act so all workers have the freedom to negotiate for a bigger piece of the pie.
There are concerns for our unions in these recommendations, including some of the tax provisions and timetables for emissions reductions and technological mandates. This language can and must be refined with additional input from working families and communities before any legislation comes to the floor.
We look forward to an ongoing process with robust discussion, and we reiterate the position adopted by delegates to our 2017 Convention that the fastest and most equitable way to address climate change is for labor to be at the center of creating solutions that reduce emissions while investing in our communities, maintaining and creating high-wage union jobs, and reducing poverty.
Contact: Carolyn Bobb (202) 637-5018