CJI Executive Director Advocates for Worker-Centered Climate Policies in Congress

On April 18, 2023, Dr Lara Skinner, executive director of the Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations and board member of the Climate Jobs National Resource Center, participated in the inaugural meeting of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Climate Jobs Task Force. Convened by Task Force Co-Chair Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), the meeting included expert voices from leading labor and environmental organizations, including the AFL-CIO and BlueGreen Alliance.

Dr Skinner emphasized the urgent need for Congressional leadership to address the intertwined challenges of the climate crisis and economic inequality. "From driving a pro-worker, pro-climate framework for the historic federal climate investments to supporting inclusive workforce development, the Climate Jobs Task Force has a key role to play," she said. "It was an honor to address Task Force members at their first meeting, and we look forward to working closely with them to advance worker-centered and equity-focused climate policy."

The SEEC Climate Jobs Task Force, co-chaired by Representatives Budzinski, Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), advocates for climate solutions that benefit both workers and the environment, promoting policies that support high-quality jobs and equitable workforce development in the transition to a clean energy economy.