Industry and IBEW News

Demolition of Vacant CT Building Puts Future Development In Spotlight

https://www.courant.com/2026/01/14/demolition-of-vacant-and-decaying-ct-building-to-start-it-puts-future-development-in-spotlight/

Demolition work begins on Hartford's vacant data processing center near Dunkin' Park, making way for a $90 million AI center, boutique hotel, and parking garage. The $9.4 million demolition is expected to complete by June, clearing the site for RMS Cos. redevelopment that includes a proposed center for applied artificial intelligence with potential Google technology partnership.

Biz Mgr Ryerse Elected to Building Trades Post

https://rbj.net/2026/01/22/ray-ryerse-elected-rochester-building-trades-president

Ray Ryerse, business manager for IBEW Local 86, has been elected president of the Rochester Building Trades Council, succeeding Grant Malone who served for five years. Ryerse, a longtime advocate for registered apprenticeship programs and jobsite safety, will lead the council representing affiliated construction trade unions across the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region.

Is Administration Losing Its War on Wind Power?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2026/01/21/trump-war-on-wind-setbacks

The Trump administration suffered three court losses last week in its campaign against offshore wind, as federal judges lifted stop-work orders on major projects. Industry advocates and even some oil industry figures have grown alarmed by the administration's anti-wind vendetta, which threatens to restrict power supply at a time when electricity demand is surging from data centers and other sources.

Administration Claims Offshore Wind Poses a Threat. But It Wont Say How.

https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5678635/trump-offshore-wind-national-security-climate-change

The Trump administration halted construction on five offshore wind projects in December citing classified national security concerns, but has refused to share specifics with developers or the public. Wind companies filed lawsuits arguing the lack of transparency suggests political motives rather than legitimate security threats, as experts note that concerns about wind turbines affecting military radar systems have been known for decades.

Largest US Electric Grid Expects All-time Record Winter Demand

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/largest-us-electric-grid-expects-all-time-record-winter-demand/ar-AA1UKEjx

US electricity consumption is forecast to reach record levels in 2025 and 2026, driven primarily by surging demand from data centers and AI workloads. EIA projects total power demand rising from 4,110 billion kilowatt-hours in 2024 to over 4,260 billion kilowatt-hours in 2026, marking the first time since 2007 that demand has risen for four consecutive years.