I veered away from traditional schooling to pursue a career with my local labor union, IBEW 567 in Lewiston.
My first assignment as a newly-trained electrical apprentice was building an 11,000-panel solar field. I knew this path would be a successful one for me, and better yet, my work would not only sustain my family and me, but my neighbors far and wide.I take great pride in my work, but there’s an added layer of accomplishment when I get to be part of renewable energy projects. Not only do I get to work with my hands each day and learn from some of the state’s best electricians, I get to be a part of the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies.
However, my coworkers and I have been dismayed by the recent delays in Congress over President Biden’s Build Back Better Act. This pivotal legislation would help fund renewable energy projects in Maine, which would help curb the climate crisis and provide good-paying work for unions — like ours — to get these necessary projects done.The bill as a whole will likely not make it to the Senate, but significant pieces likely will. Maine workers are counting on our senators to help pass the most comprehensive bill possible.
I thank Sen. King for his commitment to this bill and urge him to keep the pressure on his colleagues. Sen. Collins hasn’t stepped up to support this critical legislation. I hope she will reconsider, for Maine workers and our future.
Kilton Webb, Auburn
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