This year, the Lignite Energy Council and Coalition for a Secure Energy Future expanded its efforts to build relationships with hard hat labor groups including the Carpenters, Boilermakers, Operating Engineers, and Electricians among others in Minnesota.
As part of the efforts to engage labor on energy issues, an Energy and Labor forum was held at the North Central Carpenters Hall in St. Paul. The forum was designed to educate Minnesota legislators on the intersection between jobs and energy. The forum also included participants from the Minnesota Iron Mining Association, Minnesota Rural Electric Association, and Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association.
Legislators in attendance heard first-hand how Minnesota must have an all-of-the-above energy strategy including coal-based electricity to ensure good paying jobs and global competitiveness are maintained. This summer, the Coalition will host several more energy and labor summits around Minnesota to continue the dialogue between policymakers, labor leaders, and energy experts. If you’re interested in participating in this summit, contact the Coalition at info@secureenergyfuture.org.