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Judge temporarily blocks effort to deport Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia student protests; Power of rural organizing reflected in SD carbon pipeline law; Safety at risk as budget cuts hit Indiana Dunes National Park; Barriers to tracking bird flu mount amid federal changes.

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House Democrats won't back the GOP budget bill. Ontario reacts to Trump trade moves by enacting energy export tariffs, and a new report finds mass deportations don t help the labor market.

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Immigrant communities are getting advice from advocates as the reach of ICE expands, experts in rural America urge lawmakers to ramp up protections against elder abuse, and a multi-state arts projects seeks to close the urban-rural divide.

MA labor groups tackle climate crisis, income inequality

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Monday, July 29, 2024   

Massachusetts labor leaders say the state can meet its ambitious climate goals while creating quality jobs in communities facing the greatest threats from climate change.

A new report details how investments in electric rail networks, renewable energy and high-efficiency buildings can reduce emissions and help build a diverse, equitable workforce.

Ryan Murphy, executive director of Climate Jobs Massachusetts, said those most at risk of sea level rise or worsening air quality should benefit from the jobs the projects will bring.

"We have a real opportunity to create thousands and thousands of great careers," Murphy pointed out. "That not only benefit the environment and fight climate change, but also helps reduce inequality."

Murphy noted energy jobs have long provided strong wages, health care and pension plans, and argued the green jobs of the future should do the same. The state aims to cut its emissions in half by 2030, with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The state's energy transition will require a steady pipeline of highly trained construction workers, electricians, plumbers and more. Murphy suggested the state should boost investments in quality pre-apprenticeship programs and increase spending on outreach services to help low-income workers gain better access to union jobs.

He emphasized ensuring strong labor standards and contractor agreements to support apprenticeships on state-funded projects will help build equity.

"The more that we can invest in this infrastructure -- making sure that money is going back into Massachusetts communities -- that's, to me, where the largest investment would be most critical," Murphy stressed.

Murphy added it is important for the state to support workers displaced by the clean energy transition. The report suggested the creation of an apprenticeship program fund to train fossil fuel workers in alternative energy careers, while clean energy employers hiring the workers could receive tax credits as incentives.

Disclosure: The Climate Jobs National Resource Center contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Environment, Livable Wages/Working Families, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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