• Posted: November 23, 2021

 

On the heels of the historic Build Back Better infrastructure bill which was signed by President Biden, on Friday, Nov. 19, the IBEW Local 134 was joined by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin at its union hall where he thanked the hard-working union members for their commitment to electric vehicle technology and training. 

Senator Durbin, who was present at the signing of the infrastructure bill at the White House, acknowledged how important the IBEW Local 134 is to the city and the region.  

“What a wonderful organization of women and men in specialized crafts that are so important for the future of our country and also for the city of Chicago. Thank you for your important commitment to the city and to its future,” he said.

The $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan includes “investing in America to build the infrastructure of this country and to create good-paying jobs and businesses with good-paying jobs,” said Senator Durbin. More importantly, he stressed the bill looks toward the future of electric vehicles. To emphasize the increased importance of electric vehicles, Sen. Durbin demonstrated how to use EV charging stations.

“As more and more cars will be electric vehicles, we are going to need charging stations,” said Senator Durbin. “Who’s going to build the charging stations? Here is where you’ll find the women and men that are prepared to do it.”

IBEW is doing its part and, Sen. Durbin said, “now we’re doing our part as well on the infrastructure bill. We’re making sure that there are funds available.”

Industry estimates indicate the electric vehicle market will increase nationally by more than 500 percent from 1.5 million in 2020 to about 9.3 million units in 2026.

“It is a great honor to acknowledge Senator Durbin at our wonderful union hall. The IBEW has partnered with Senator Durbin and President Biden and the infrastructure bill will have a tremendous impact on not only IBEW locally, but organized labor as a whole. We can’t thank you enough, Senator, for all your tireless work and our great partnership,” said Don Finn, IBEW business manager.

Illinois is a leader in funding alternative energy investments, with the groundbreaking Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which is forecast to create thousands of new renewable jobs. Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed a bill that will allow for incentives aimed at boosting electric vehicle production in Illinois, including electric school buses, municipal buses, delivery trucks and 18-wheelers.