As a union carpenter in Salt Lake City, I know how important it is for major infrastructure projects to have clear timelines and expectations. Our workers must be available and willing to start as soon as projects are approved. Project delays can add up quickly and can directly impact my own paycheck.
It is great to hear that Congress is considering ways to reduce review times on major energy and infrastructure projects on public lands, which will allow workers to get on these jobsites faster. But Congress should make sure all permitting reforms balance these project benefits with community input and the needs of working families, including prevailing wage provisions.
As the country invests in energy infrastructure, including interregional transmission, the skilled workforce on these projects deserves to be paid a fair wage and benefits.
Calvin Fors, West Jordan