The IAM has partnered with Voith Hydro Inc., in York, Pa., to assist in obtaining energy investment tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and to support IAM members’ increasing involvement in the hydropower industry.
Investments in renewable energy sources can increase the demand for hydropower. Voith Hydro is a Union facility that offers excellent equipment options to support this demand. By making such investments, new and advanced machining centers can be installed to replace outdated equipment and provide additional functionality.
Accomplishing these improvements will require highly-skilled and competent machinists and other craftsmen to enhance productivity, safety, and quality. It’s worth noting that these investments qualify for the IRA 48C funding, which can be used to retool existing shops that produce renewable energy equipment.
Recently, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan along with IAM Eastern Territory Chief of Staff Charles Herod and IAM District 98 and IAM Local 1400 committee members Justin Becker, Rob Bedford and Local Lodge President Luke Miller, visited the Voith Hydro facility in York, where they had the opportunity to meet with members and discussed with the company on how the energy tax credits could help workers and create more opportunities.
“We are thrilled to partner with Voith Hydro to support our members’ involvement in the hydropower industry,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “These investments could go a long way in supporting the development of renewable energy sources, and it opens up new opportunities for IAM members and their communities.”
U.S. Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) have shown support for this initiative to invest in U.S. hydroelectric manufacturing.