Articles from IBEW News

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DOE Issues First Solicitation for Data Center and Energy Co-Location on Designated Federal Land

The Department of Energy has released its first formal solicitation for private sector partners to develop AI data centers and energy infrastructure on federal lands, with applications due November 7, 2025. The initiative focuses on four selected sites: Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, and Savannah River Site. This represents significant potential work opportunities for electrical contractors and IBEW members in data center construction and energy infrastructure projects. Source: jdsupra.com

https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/doe-issues-first-solicitation-for-ai-7177375/

2 Entergy Workers Injured After Transformer Explodes

Two Entergy electrical workers were injured when a transformer exploded in The Woodlands, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in electrical utility work. The incident underscores the dangerous conditions that electrical workers face daily and the importance of rigorous safety protocols, proper training, and protective equipment in utility operations. The event serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in electrical work and the need for continued vigilance in worker safety practices. Source: click2houston.com

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/09/08/2-electrical-workers-injured…

New CREW Caucus Powers Up the IBEW

The Caucus of Rank-and-File Electrical Workers (CREW) publicly launched in September 2025 after two years of organizing, already boasting 300 members across 40 IBEW locals nationwide. The new member caucus aims to build an IBEW that lives up to its potential by empowering rank-and-file workers and promoting democratic participation within the union. CREW focuses on contract campaigns, job site enforcement, and grassroots organizing to strengthen worker power in the electrical industry. Source: labornotes.org

https://labornotes.org/2025/09/new-caucus-powers-electrical-workers

Electrical Workers Sound Alarm on Administration's TVA Privatization Scheme

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is raising urgent concerns about reports that the Trump administration is considering privatizing the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which would jeopardize approximately 10,000 IBEW jobs. The union is calling on Congress and Deep South officials to resist such moves, warning that privatization could destabilize an authority that has provided reliable, affordable electricity since 1933 and employs thousands of skilled electrical workers across seven states. Source: peoplesworld.org

https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/electrical-workers-sound-alarm-on-trumps-tv…

Local Hosts Longtime Labor Ally in Show of Solidarity

IBEW Local 11 hosted longtime labor ally Representative Adam Schiff in a demonstration of solidarity and political engagement. The event highlights the ongoing relationship between electrical workers and supportive political leaders who champion union interests and workers' rights. The gathering represents the union's commitment to building political alliances that advance the interests of electrical workers and the broader labor movement. Source: ibew11.org

https://ibew11.org/2025/08/ibew-11-hosts-longtime-labor-ally-schiff-in-show-of-s…

Inside Microsoft's Plans for the 'Most Advanced AI Data Center in the World'

Microsoft unveils ambitious plans for what it claims will be the world's most advanced AI data center, representing a massive infrastructure project that will create significant opportunities for electrical contractors and IBEW members. The facility will require extensive electrical work, including advanced power systems, cooling infrastructure, and specialized electrical installations to support cutting-edge artificial intelligence computing operations. The project exemplifies the growing demand for skilled electrical workers in the expanding AI and data center sector. Source: blogs.microsoft.com

https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2025/09/18/inside-the-worlds-most-powerful-ai-d…

How AI Might Save More Energy Than It Soaks Up

Analysis examining how artificial intelligence systems, despite their high energy consumption for data centers and processing, may ultimately lead to net energy savings through optimization of electrical grids, smart building systems, and industrial processes. The implications for electrical workers include both challenges from automation and opportunities in deploying AI-enhanced electrical infrastructure and smart grid technologies. Source: ft.com

https://www.ft.com/content/69d6a641-971c-4fe8-a58d-0f3377a6bccb

What We Need to Know About AI and the Climate

Comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence's environmental impact, including energy demands of data centers and potential climate benefits through optimized electrical systems and renewable energy integration. The analysis covers implications for electrical infrastructure development and the role of skilled electrical workers in building sustainable AI systems while addressing climate concerns. Source: yaleclimateconnections.org

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/09/what-you-need-to-know-about-ai-and-cl…

Meta Confronts Sustainability Tensions Amid Massive Infrastructure Expansion

Meta faces challenges balancing rapid AI infrastructure expansion with sustainability commitments, as massive data center construction increases energy demands while the company pursues carbon neutrality goals. The expansion creates significant opportunities for electrical contractors and IBEW members in data center construction, renewable energy integration, and advanced electrical systems installation. Source: ppc.land

https://ppc.land/meta-confronts-sustainability-tensions-amid-massive-ai-infrastr…

IBEW Members Gear Up For Jobsite ICE Defense

IBEW Local 553 members in Durham, North Carolina are organizing to protect workers from potential ICE raids on construction sites, developing strategies to defend immigrant workers' rights while maintaining jobsite safety and productivity. The initiative reflects growing concerns about workplace enforcement actions affecting the electrical construction workforce and union solidarity efforts to protect all workers regardless of immigration status. Source: wnylabortoday.com

https://www.wnylabortoday.com/news/2025/09/14/national-labor-news/taking-a-stand…

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