Katie Harris, Blue Green Alliance Vice President of Federal Affairs, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss climate policy, environmental regulations and worker protections.
Founded 20 years ago by the Sierra Club and United Steelworkers, the Blue Green Alliance now boasts 15 partners from labor unions and environmental organizations. Harris explained the alliance's core belief that good jobs and a clean environment are not mutually exclusive. This philosophy guides their approach to policy development and implementation, particularly in areas such as archaeology, public lands, energy and the environment. Harris emphasized the importance of consensus-building among partners to address complex issues like balancing job preservation in fossil fuel industries with the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Recent environmental policy changes have raised concerns for the Blue Green Alliance. Harris highlighted the Environmental Protection Agency's list of potential deregulatory actions, including the chemical disaster rule that protects workers and communities near industrial plants. She expressed worry about the pause on the greenhouse gas reduction fund, which was set to create numerous jobs. Harris stressed the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to maintain crucial environmental and worker protections, especially in light of proposals like House Resolution 86, which aims to nullify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act.
The reintroduction of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act remains a priority for the Blue Green Alliance. While Harris acknowledged the slim chances of the act passing in the current Congress, she emphasized the importance of keeping the issue alive. The alliance continues to advocate for workers' rights and union organizing, particularly in emerging clean energy sectors. Harris noted the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental protection and worker safety, highlighting the alliance's role in fostering dialogue between labor and environmental groups to find common ground and develop effective policies.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about the Blue Green Alliance's efforts to protect workers and the environment.