Tim Ryan, Former Ohio Congressman and Co-Chair of Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need for a common-sense approach to the clean energy transition. He talked about the stress new AI facilities and data centers will have on the existing energy grid and the need for union workers to ensure that the changes to the energy industry go smoothly.
With the push to adopt new forms of green energy, Ryan discussed the need for the U.S. Government, specifically the Democratic Party, to adopt a pragmatic approach to energy policy. He discussed how the transition should occur by partnering renewable energy sources with clean-burning natural gas facilities. This partnership would avoid delays, like in several other countries that adopted over-aggressive plans. Ryan said this partnership would help improve the climate and increase the number of quality union jobs to build and staff the natural gas-powered facilities.
There has been a surge of artificial intelligence and data center projects nationwide, especially in Midwest cities like Columbus, Ohio. Ryan talked about the energy consumption projections for these facilities once they are up and running and how these cities can ensure they can fulfill their needs. He discussed why members of Congress need to get involved and help support the jobs and economic boost that will come from these facilities. However, Ryan did add that Congress needs to ensure that the infrastructure built to support the growth is installed in a way that keeps America moving forward.
Finally, Ryan talked about the role the union workforce will play in the future of green energy. Ryan believes the union members who built the current energy systems will be the same people who will push America into a clean energy future. He added that it will take the government to properly support the transition. If they do, union workers will create a strong energy infrastructure and ensure that the clean energy industry will thrive.
For more from Ryan, listen to the show above. Then stick around after Ryan’s interview for a short conversation with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
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