For Immediate Release: March 14, 2023

Contact: Matt Spence  202-728-6014

IBEW Statement on Biden Administration’s Approval of the Willow Project

IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper issued the following statement on the Biden administration’s approval of the Willow project in Alaska:

“This project is a win – both for Alaska’s economy and the country’s energy security. It will provide significant employment opportunities for IBEW members in Alaska while enhancing domestic oil production, benefitting the state’s economy and local residents.

“Willow will be an important economic driver for Alaska, requiring approximately 9 million work hours and creating more than 2,500 construction jobs. IBEW local unions like Anchorage Local 1547 are leaders in the nation in recruiting and training the highly skilled workforce necessary for responsible energy development supported by good union jobs. A Bureau of Land Management study estimates that the project will generate $17 billion in new revenues for the federal government, the state of Alaska and communities in the state’s North Slope.

“The IBEW joins North America’s Building Trades Unions, the Alaska AFL-CIO, the Alaska State Legislature, the Alaska Federation of Natives and the bipartisan Alaska congressional delegation in full support of the Willow project.

“With an increasingly large footprint in the renewable energy sector, IBEW members are dedicated to the Biden administration’s climate goals. This project will help improve America’s energy security along the path to a low-carbon future.” 

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.