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Wisconsin AG seeks to stop Elon Musk's $1M payments at rally giveaway; Rural advocates urge CA lawmakers to safeguard banking protections; Federal, state job cuts threaten FL workers' rights, services; Alabama counties lack high-speed internet and health access.

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President Trump says there are ways for him to take a third term. New tariffs are scheduled for this week, but economists say they'll hurt buying power. And advocates say the Trans Day of Visibility is made more important by state legislation.

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Rural folks face significant clean air and water risks due to EPA cutbacks, a group of policymakers is working to expand rural health care via mobile clinics, and a new study maps Montana's news landscape.

Unions: Green jobs are good paying jobs under new MA climate law

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Monday, December 9, 2024   

Labor unions in Massachusetts say the state's new climate law will create good jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The law streamlines the siting and permitting process for new clean energy infrastructure and ensures contracted companies pay a fair wage.

Ryan Murphy, executive director of Climate Jobs Massachusetts, said smaller wind and solar projects will include more registered apprenticeship programs to create not just jobs but careers.

"It's really making sure that these green jobs that the bill is going to create are actually good jobs with good pay and good benefits," Murphy explained.

Murphy pointed out companies complying with various employment and antidiscrimination laws will be given added weight. He noted energy jobs have long provided strong wages, health care and pension plans, and the green jobs of the future will do the same.

Other provisions of the law ensure companies awarded contracts for clean energy permits have a demonstrated commitment to expand workforce diversity, equity and inclusion. Apprenticeship programs will target workers in low-income and minority communities facing the greatest effects of climate change.

Murphy emphasized it is a commitment unions involved in the climate law's passage have long upheld.

"It really shows that we can all work together to create policy that benefits everyone," Murphy stressed. "The environment, community and workers all together."

The climate law expands the state's electric vehicle charging network and incentivizes technologies such as battery storage and includes measures to protect people from high energy costs. Supporters said it equips state agencies with the mandate to fight climate change and help meet the ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.


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