The Renewable Energy Jobs Task Force (REJTF) presented its Final Report to the Suffolk County Legislature on Monday, December 11th.
The presentation, delivered to the Public Works, Transportation, and Energy Committee, by REJTF outlined key findings and recommendations aimed at leveraging the county's workforce in the burgeoning renewable energy sector.
Established by the Suffolk County Legislature in 2021, the REJTF was tasked with studying and proposing strategies to bolster job creation within the renewable energy industry. The 42-page report, now available on the Suffolk County Legislature web page, details the task force's comprehensive analysis, including links to vital online resources, such as funding opportunities, training programs, and employment prospects in its Resource Directory.
During the presentation, members of the REJTF emphasized Suffolk County's unique position to capitalize on current economic conditions.
Notable factors include the presence of eight wind farms slated for construction in Long Island waters, ongoing energy transmission modernization initiatives, the expanding solar energy sector, support for electric vehicles (EV), battery storage facilities, green hydrogen projects, and various other renewable energy endeavors. The task force also highlighted historic federal and state funding opportunities, as well as the growth of local educational and training programs.
"The REJFTF Final Report gives guidance to incoming policymakers and outlines opportunities to secure grant funding and to tap into our considerable workforce potential,” said Legislator Bridget Fleming, co-sponsor of the legislation creating the REJTF and Chair of the group
Fleming particularly praised the Resource Directory, a dynamic tool providing continually updated information on education, job training, and funding opportunities.
The report underscored the pivotal role of recent federal grants, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars, in driving renewable energy efforts nationwide. The offshore wind industry, in particular, stands out as a key focus, with Long Island poised to benefit from significant federal and state funding, potentially creating over 10,000 jobs statewide.
Timothy McCarthy, Business Representative of IBEW Local 25, stressed that the report's recommendations could address gaps leading to job outsourcing, emphasizing the need to retain the local workforce within Suffolk County. The presentation also featured insights from David Kennedy of Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers, who highlighted the report's potential as a guide for businesses entering the Renewable Energy Jobs sector.
Acknowledging the need for skilled workers in offshore wind projects, Phil Rugile, Executive Director for Workforce Advancement, emphasized the scale of demand, comparing it to the post-World War II era in the defense manufacturing sector. He expressed gratitude to Legislator Fleming for spearheading the report, which he deemed a roadmap for maximizing current and future opportunities in both onshore and offshore projects.
The Final Report, a significant milestone for Suffolk County's renewable energy future, is now accessible on the Suffolk County Legislature web page. The comprehensive document provides a roadmap for navigating the evolving landscape of renewable energy opportunities in the region.