AFL-CIO President criticizes budget bill for harming energy jobs and bills

Controversial Budget Reconciliation Bill Raises Concerns Over Energy Jobs and Costs

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler has raised alarms about the potential impact of the recent budget reconciliation bill on energy employment and household energy costs.

In a late-night move, Congress has passed a budget bill that critics claim undermines its stated goal of enhancing American energy production. According to Liz Shuler, the AFL-CIO President, this legislation could lead to the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, mining, and construction. This is in addition to the 62,000 energy-related jobs already at risk due to current governmental policies.

Should the bill become law, it is feared that American families might see their electricity bills increase by an average of $110 annually. Moreover, projects intended to power over 15 million homes might be halted, and an anticipated $600 billion in construction investments could be cut, impacting high-wage union jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.

The timing of these potential cuts is particularly concerning given the increasing demand for electricity, fueled by sectors such as artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and the electrification of buildings and transportation. Shuler argues that instead of offering tax cuts for the wealthy, the focus should be on expanding energy resources, job creation, and investments to maintain affordable energy costs for American families.

Shuler's statement further criticizes members of Congress who supported the bill, accusing them of prioritizing tax advantages for billionaires over securing quality jobs for American workers. She calls on senators who advocate for workers and industries to oppose this "regressive, job-killing bill."

For more information, contact Prerna Jagadeesh at 202-637-5018.