Industry and IBEW News

Administration Halt on Climate Spending Freezes Jobs, Stalls Projects

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/climate/trump-ira-climate-spending-halt-jobs-construction.html

Source: nytimes.com - Recent administrative decisions to pause climate-related infrastructure spending have led to widespread job freezes in the renewable energy sector and the suspension of multiple clean energy construction projects, impacting thousands of electrical workers nationwide.

US to Deploy Molten Salt Reactors to Turn Wastewater into Freshwater

https://interestingengineering.com/energy/nuclear-energy-water-desalination-texas

Source: interestingengineering.com - Innovative project launches to utilize molten salt reactor technology for water desalination, creating new opportunities for electrical workers in the nuclear sector while addressing water scarcity challenges in drought-prone regions.

Drones: Examining Risks to the US Electric Grid

https://dronelife.com/2025/01/31/are-drones-a-threat-to-nuclear-power-plants-examining-risks-to-the-u-s-electric-grid/

Source: dronelife.com - A comprehensive analysis of drone-related security threats to electrical infrastructure, examining potential vulnerabilities in the US power grid and proposed countermeasures to protect critical energy facilities from unauthorized drone activity.

AI Brings Nuclear Power Back, Even in California

https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2025/01/artificial-intelligence-is-bringing-nuclear-power-back-from-the-dead-maybe-even-in-california/

Source: calmatters.org - Artificial intelligence advancements are revolutionizing nuclear power plant operations and safety systems, potentially paving the way for a nuclear energy revival in California. New AI-driven safety protocols and operational efficiencies are addressing historical concerns about nuclear energy.

Report : US Home Values Under Siege

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/opinion/home-values-insurance-climate.html

Source: nytimes.com - In a stark warning for homeowners, new research suggests that climate change and insurance market instability are eroding property values across the United States. Analysis reveals increasing challenges to US home values, including climate-related risks, insurance market volatility, and potential long-term economic impacts on residential real estate markets.