James Shillitto, President of Local 1-2
“New York continues to push forward with electrification and a transition toward renewable energy sources. Last year, the state legislature attempted to pass a bill banning new gas installations by shifting the cost burden of new gas service connections from utilities to consumers, aiming to disincentivize gas usage. Local 1-2 opposed this measure, as it threatens jobs and lacks clarity on the future energy landscape. We actively testified and lobbied against it, and while the bill passed in the legislature, the governor did not sign it into law.
Looking ahead, there is discussion that the bill may be reintroduced, and if that happens, we will continue to participate in hearings and advocate against it. We are working alongside other unions, including IBEW locals, to ensure our collective voice is heard. Our priority is to protect jobs while ensuring that any transition away from natural gas is done thoughtfully and sustainably.”
Keith Holmes, President of Local 686
“Philadelphia has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, creating challenges as it owns Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), the nation’s largest municipally owned natural gas utility. The city commissioned a study to explore low-carbon pathways for PGW, evaluating decarbonized gas, building electrification, hybrid electrification, and networked geothermal. The study emphasized that no single solution exists — a mix of technologies and regulatory adjustments will be needed to reduce emissions while protecting workers and customers.
Local 686 has been deeply involved to ensure any transition prioritizes job security, affordability, and economic sustainability. We advocate for phased approaches that integrate cleaner energy without jeopardizing PGW’s workforce or burdening low-income residents. Additionally, we participated in the workforce impact study, which found that a planned transition can reduce emissions and protect workers, but requires close collaboration between labor, policymakers, and the utility.”
Dan Leary, President of Local 369
“Massachusetts has seen legislative and regulatory efforts aimed at reducing reliance on natural gas, most notably last year’s proposed bill to end the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP). This program is crucial for replacing aging gas infrastructure, ensuring safety, and maintaining jobs in the sector. Alongside the Steelworkers and other industry stakeholders, we successfully opposed and prevented the passage of this bill.
Our local has remained a strong voice in these discussions through active political engagement and coalition-building. We’ve cultivated productive relationships with the governor, state legislators, utility companies, and other unions — so much so that our input is now actively sought on energy transition matters.
At the state level, we are deeply engaged in discussions through the Governor’s Energy Transformation Advisory Board, where UWUA’s National Vice President Craig Pinkham and I both serve, and I participate in multiple subcommittees. We’ve also been involved in the Department of Public Utilities’ review of GSEP, ensuring its continuation despite attempts to undermine it.”
Sean Gaurige, Business Manager of Local 18007
“Illinois has multiple regulatory and legislative actions targeting natural gas, directly impacting our members. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has paused the Safety Modernization Program (SMP), which was replacing aging gas infrastructure in Chicago, putting over 1,000 union jobs at risk. Additionally, the ICC’s Future of Gas is evaluating how decarbonization and electrification goals will affect natural gas infrastructure. Meanwhile, at the city level, the proposed Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) seeks to phase out natural gas in new buildings, setting a precedent for further restrictions.
Local 18007 has been actively engaged to ensure gas remains a safe, reliable, and affordable energy source. We have intervened in regulatory proceedings, provided testimony, and participated in public hearings and workshops to highlight the economic risks, workforce impacts, and consumer costs of eliminating natural gas. Additionally, we are fighting CABO as part of the Clean Energy Choice Coalition, delaying its passage by educating the public and lobbying aldermen. We will continue to advocate for a balanced approach that supports decarbonization while preserving jobs and maintaining energy reliability.”
Chris Richardson, President of Local 341
“Last year, LD 2077, the “Act Regarding Customer Costs and the Environmental and Health Impacts of Natural Gas,” was introduced in the Maine Legislature as part of broader electrification policies aimed at shifting homes and businesses to electric heating and appliances. While we support reducing emissions, an all-electric mandate is neither practical nor affordable — especially in Maine’s harsh winters where energy reliability is critical.
We are actively engaging with policymakers to caution against eliminating energy choices and increasing costs, particularly for low-income households, renters, and older homes. We provided testimony opposing LD 2077 and continue to advocate for modernizing gas infrastructure by fixing leaks, improving efficiency, and upgrading gas appliances. These measures reduce emissions while maintaining affordability, reliability, and energy security. Our focus remains on ensuring any transition plan protects workers and preserves consumer choice.”
Moses Rams, President of Local 470-1
“In Connecticut, there is a push to reduce natural gas reliance through clean energy initiatives. The state has partnered with the New England States Committee on Energy to support offshore wind transmission from Northern Maine to Southern New England. The Revolution Wind project will deliver 304 MW of clean energy, while the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has approved 518 MW of solar projects and 200 MW of energy storage. DEEP is also distributing $100 million in federal funding for home electrification and appliance rebates.
While these initiatives support carbon reduction, our local remains engaged to ensure policies don’t compromise reliability, affordability, or skilled jobs. We caution against reducing natural gas supply too quickly, as it remains essential — especially during peak demand. We advocate for a balanced transition integrating renewables while maintaining system resilience.
We’ve adopted an “all of the above” approach — collaborating with companies, speaking out in the press, and meeting with legislators. We seek allies, including companies and unions, to protect workers. While we work with utilities on shared interests, we also push back when policies threaten jobs or affordability.
We take our concerns directly to lawmakers and the media, ensuring policymakers understand the impact on workers and consumers. We’re also part of a coalition of utility labor unions, including UWUA, IBEW, Steelworkers, and an independent local, representing all unionized water, gas, and electric workers in Connecticut. By advocating aggressively and building strong alliances, we ensure workers’ voices are heard.”