President Obama Discusses Nuclear Power, Green Jobs Training at NECA Joint Training Center
President Obama chose the joint training facility of the Washington, D.C. Chapter, NECA and IBEW Local 26 in Lanham, Md., to announce that his administration is guaranteeing $8 billion to build two new nuclear reactors. The president also discussed federal investment in green energy job training.
The nuclear reactors will be built at an existing plant in Burke, Ga. It will be the first nuclear power plant to break ground in nearly three decades, according to the White House.
Officials said the project will include approximately 3,500 construction jobs and 800 permanent operations jobs and will provide power to about 550,000 residential homes. NECA is a strong supporter of clean, safe nuclear energy, and NECA member contractors built many of the nuclear power plants still safely operating in the U.S.
"Our nation's access to affordable, reliable electricity depends on the smooth performance of a complex system," said NECA president Rex Ferry. "NECA believes in a multi-faceted approach to making the U.S. energy independent that includes nuclear power and green energy, and we're honored that President Obama selected one of our training facilities to focus on these important issues."
The President announced the significant new funding for clean-energy jobs training on Jan. 8. His tour of the Electrical Alliance Training Center included a discussion of the "Green Jobs" training curriculum used by the center.
NECA, together with the IBEW and the National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, support the local green energy training facilities highlighted in the President’s remarks. The organizations have been extremely active in preparing the industry’s workforce to install solar photovoltaic panels, wind power turbines and fuel cells to the same high standards as traditional electrical work.
The “Green Jobs” curriculum was developed to meet growing demand for buildings with better energy efficiency and construction projects incorporating renewable energy sources into their electrical systems. The curriculum also includes building automation as an integral aspect of energy efficiency and conservation.
Nationwide, there are more than 285 joint training centers co-sponsored by NECA chapters and IBEW local unions. Most now offer training in renewable energy technology, energy efficiency and conservation.
More information about the Green Jobs curriculum can be found online. Full text of President Obama's Feb. 16 remarks on clean energy investment is available from the White House website.
About NECA: NECA is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S. NECA’s national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development. For more information, visit www.necanet.org.
Contact Information
Beth Margulies, Director, Public Relations
301-215-4526, beth.margulies@necanet.org