Press Release: Workers raise concerns at industry gathering with Houston hydrogen applicant
For Immediate Release
August 23, 2023
Contact: Veronica Serrano, Communications Coordinator, veronica@txclimatejobs.org, 512-500-9267
Workers raise concerns at industry gathering with Houston hydrogen applicant
As Houston looks to become a bigger player in hydrogen production, unions seek a commitment to strong labor standards
Houston, TX — Last week, Texas Climate Jobs Project (TCJP) joined a group of plumbers and pipefitters at an industry-organized event to speak out about the absence of adequate labor commitments in the HyVelocity Hub application to the Department of Energy (DOE)—part of the DOE’s $8 billion Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub program.
The industry event, “Building a Community-Based Approach to the Energy Transition,” was billed as a space to “unveil conclusions on community engagement in the energy transition from a recent stakeholder roundtable held with Center for Houston’s Future.” Notably absent from these conclusions was the need to adequately resolve wage, safety, and training concerns raised by Texas labor organizations about the HyVelocity Hub application.
“We support efforts being made to accelerate the use of clean hydrogen as an energy source to provide a better future for our communities, but this transition should not be made at the expense of Texas workers,” said Brian Granger, of Plumber Local Union 68. “We don’t want to have to look back years from now and regret the lives ruined because of low pay and dangerous working conditions in this emerging industry.”
Union workers are not alone in voicing their concerns. A significant contingent of the Texas Congressional Delegation have also called on the Department of Energy to prioritize Texas H2Hub applicants who commit to creating high-quality union jobs in a letter to DOE Secretary, Jennifer Granholm.
“As Members of Congress who stand united with workers, we applaud President Biden for making it clear that positive collaboration with labor organizations strengthens the American economy,” the lawmakers wrote. “That is why we believe the Department of Energy should ensure that the federal investments made through the H2Hubs program will include concrete labor standard commitments to support the Texan workforce.”
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The Texas Climate Jobs Project (TCJP) is a coalition of unions from across Texas united to fight climate change and reverse income inequality. Learn more: www.txclimatejobs.org.