Yvonne Abraham was spot-in her Jan. 9 Metro column, “Cost of an oil obsession,” outlining the many negative effects of the Trump administration’s energy policy.
Dozens of union ironworkers are among the thousands of jobs in jeopardy after the administration abruptly canceled several federally approved offshore wind leases, including Vineyard Wind, off the coast of New Bedford. This project had been permitted and financed and is already supplying enough power for some 200,000 homes.
Whatever your political ideology, it is undeniable that we need energy diversification to lower bills for working Americans. Vineyard Wind is a great example of a project that is working. That this administration has chosen politics over affordable energy and jobs for skilled ironworkers and other members of the trades is a national disgrace.
Revolution Wind project can resume, judge rules
The impact extends beyond jobs. We are in an energy crisis as the costs of delivering oil, gas, and electricity have skyrocketed, causing economic chaos in our communities, especially for seniors, veterans, and other vulnerable populations. We are all likely to face even higher prices if we don’t diversify our energy mix.
We urge those concerned to contact their senator or representative in Congress to demand that the president reverse this decision. Protecting union jobs and delivering reliable, affordable power for Massachusetts is not only good economic policy — it’s good for the future of our region’s energy needs.
Vincent Coyle Jr.
Business manager
Ironworkers Local 7
Boston
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