Boilermakers Local 154 Business Agent Shawn Steffee joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how Boilermakers are navigating the “green and renewable” trend in energy conservation, and why fossil fuels will continue to be a vital energy resource.
Despite a push for renewable energy, there remains a strong demand for fossil fuels, which will not be eliminated any time soon, Steffee said. Steel mills are coming back, which require coal to process steel. Steffee said fossil fuels could be used in a more environmentally friendly manner than in years past. Energy must come from a variety of resources, including coal and natural gas, in order to meet the nation’s ongoing energy needs, he added.
Steffee then discussed carbon capture methods to make the use of fossil fuels more environmentally sustainable.
He also spoke about the growth of Local 154’s apprenticeship programs and the need to train the next generation of Boilermakers to work on the nation’s gas plants.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.