Mercer Times

The U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of 24 governors from various states representing a significant portion of the U.S. economy and population, has introduced the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative. This program aims to train one million new registered apprentices by 2035 in climate and clean energy fields. The initiative seeks to create career pathways, enhance workforce diversity, and prepare workers for jobs in these sectors.

The announcement was made during Climate Week NYC by several key figures including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

“In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. She emphasized collaboration with various stakeholders to create future jobs that contribute to a sustainable economy.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham highlighted the need for a "climate-ready workforce" to meet carbon reduction goals: “We need a climate-ready workforce — from EV technicians and heat pump installers to solar panel manufacturers.”

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee noted the alignment of climate policies with workforce development: “We’re aligning our ambitious climate policies with workforce development to have 1 million more workers poised to take these good-paying, union jobs.”

White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi underscored federal efforts under President Biden’s leadership: “Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, we are bringing down the barriers to economic opportunity.”

This initiative coincides with federal investments aimed at expanding job opportunities in clean energy fields as part of broader legislative efforts like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Alliance states will support one million new workers through Registered Apprenticeship programs by 2035. These programs provide career pathways that allow workers to earn while they learn in relevant occupations.

Members of the Alliance will work towards strengthening employment pathways into diverse professions critical for achieving net-zero emissions goals. They aim to improve job quality, expand opportunities for underrepresented communities, and promote credentials that support skill development.

Additionally, multi-state cohorts will focus on developing sector-specific strategies for in-demand fields within this initiative's framework. The cohorts aim to foster collaboration among states for scalable solutions across the country.

The initiative builds on existing collaborations between state members of the Alliance and the Biden-Harris Administration focused on creating good-paying jobs in climate-related sectors.

Further details about the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative are available online.