Washington, D.C. – The Department of Energy (DOE) has decided to terminate 24 awards issued by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), a move that has prompted a response from North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU).
Sean McGarvey, President of NABTU, expressed concern over this decision. “The Department of Energy’s announcement to terminate 24 awards issued by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) is the last thing blue-collar American construction workers need to hear right now,” McGarvey stated. He noted that cutting more than $3 billion worth of major energy projects adds strain to an already softening construction employment market.
McGarvey highlighted the potential impact on skilled workers involved in these projects. “Now, these hardworking, American blue-collar workers will be forced to report to the unemployment line instead of job sites,” he said.
He also pointed out the implications for national interests amidst rising energy demands and competition with China over data centers, AI, and advanced technologies. “This move suggests America is waving the white flag of surrender to China and ceding ground in the global energy and technology race,” McGarvey remarked.
On behalf of America’s workforce, McGarvey urged President Trump to reconsider this decision. He emphasized allowing construction workers and NABTU members to continue building essential energy infrastructure. “We respectfully urge President Trump to reverse this decision and let construction workers and NABTU’s highly skilled members do what they do best: build the energy infrastructure our country needs—and help us defeat China to keep America on top of the world’s economy.”
