You Can’t Create Good Paying Union Jobs if You Don’t Build Jones Act Ships
The Department of Energy Wind Technologies Office recently posted “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Offshore Wind Energy” on its website. While the post is great, it should have been 11 things. The 11th item would note: ‘America needs to develop the manufacturing and production infrastructure necessary to build offshore wind farms. We need to build Jones Act-compliant ships.’
Currently, the U.S. does not have the tug boats, barges, short sea vessels, breakers, and lift vessels needed to erect wind farms. However, America could meet the challenge if Mid-Atlantic and North East states like New York invested in Steel Kit Shipbuilding factories. Investment in new and exciting clean technology and manufacturing techniques will create good-paying, family-sustaining, union jobs in places much like the Ports of Albany, Oswego, and Lackawanna.
New York state has heavily invested in offshore wind with five projects in active development. Steel Kit Shipbuilding factories strategically located at NY Ports would help the state meet its goal of 9,000 megawatts by 2035 and ensure Jones Act compliance in the wind industry. Without investment in rebuilding the maritime infrastructure footprint, there is no way NY or any state can meet the clean energy goals President Biden and the U.S. envision.
Investment in our nation’s Jones Act fleet is imperative if we are to solve our supply chain crisis, achieve America’s clean energy initiatives and maintain our national security. It’s time to build Steel Kit Shipbuilding factories!
