Unionized workers in the renewable energy sector are speaking out against the Trump administration's efforts to halt wind projects, citing threats to their jobs and livelihoods.
Thomas Kilday, an electrician with IBEW Local 99 in Rhode Island, described the uncertainty caused by stop-work orders on the Revolution Wind Project. The orders disrupted shifts and family plans, leaving workers concerned about pay and stability.
The project later began delivering power to New England in March and is over 90 percent complete. It is expected to supply more than 350,000 homes and businesses.
Pat Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, called the administration's lease buyouts a waste of money. He noted successful court challenges against stop-work orders on five local projects.
Will Gonzalez, a laborer from Massachusetts, said the policies reflect a personal vendetta and remove good union jobs. A Department of Interior spokesperson stated that no jobs were eliminated because the leases were not yet operational.
