Energy coalition gets support from labor unions, Philadelphia chamber

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The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and two labor unions have thrown their support behind Harrisburg-based Energy Future PA, a nonpartisan initiative to advance the state’s national energy leadership. 

The Philadelphia chamber along with the Steamfitters Local 420 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 654, have joined the coalition formed in 2022 to support energy solutions including renewables and low-to-zero carbon fuel sources. 

“We are thrilled to welcome the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Steamfitters Local 420, and IBEW Local 654 to our growing roster of partner members,” said Kate Harper, co-chair of Energy Future PA. “The future of Pennsylvania’s energy economy requires the strong voice of both the business community and labor unions.” 

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia convenes business and civic leaders from the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region, while the Steamfitters Local 420 represents plumbers and pipefitters across the Greater Philadelphia region, and IBEW Local 654 represents electrical workers in Delaware and Chester counties. 

“By taking steps to embrace a cleaner energy future, we can boost Pennsylvania’s economy, creating more opportunities and a brighter future for our region,” said Chellie Cameron, president and CEO, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. “Energy Future PA offers a commonsense, holistic approach to our energy strategy that we believe will benefit Pennsylvania businesses and communities.” 

Public and private sector investments in the energy sector will also create and sustain well-paying jobs. Energy Futures PA said those dollars stay local, with workers and families reinvesting in their communities by supporting the housing, retail, and service sectors. 

Jobs and economic development are at the forefront of why the Greater Philadelphia Chamber and local unions have thrown their strong support behind the federal investment in regional hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania, Energy Futures PA said.  

The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) project in the Philadelphia region and the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) project that includes western Pennsylvania were both recently selected for award negotiations to receive a portion of the $7 billion in federal hydrogen hub funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. 

“Hydrogen hubs bring great promise not just to help power the local economy but also to help create and sustain jobs for skilled workers in our region,” said Jim Snell, business manager, Steamfitters Local 420. “We need focused investment in these innovative energy strategies, and Energy Future PA is an important voice to ensure Pennsylvania is at the forefront of these efforts.” 

Bill Adams, president and assistant business manager, IBEW Local 654, said, “Pennsylvania has long powered the nation, and it’s essential that we continue to be the nation’s energy powerhouse well into the future. To do that, we need the collective power of business, industry, education, and labor.” 

 The coalition also includes the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry; Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences; the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council; and Bucks County-based PDC Machines, a manufacturer of hydrogen compressors and fueling stations. 

“Energy Future PA embodies the greatest strengths of Pennsylvania,” said Energy Future PA Co-Chair and former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale. “We have world-class research universities, the nation’s strongest workforce, and a business community that is united around keeping Pennsylvania competitive on the world stage. With their collective voices, we secure Pennsylvania’s legacy as the nation’s energy leader for future generations.”