Articles from IBEW News

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CA: Abundance Clashes with Affordability

California faces a complex challenge balancing its abundance of technological innovation with the affordability concerns surrounding data center development. The state continues to grapple with regulatory frameworks, environmental considerations, and community impacts as tech companies seek to expand their data center footprint. The ongoing debate highlights tensions between economic development, environmental sustainability, and housing affordability in tech-heavy regions. Source: politico.com
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/17/tech-savvy-california-is-still-figuring…

A Growing Bipartisan Embrace of Fire Technology

An examination of how California's wildfire prevention and management technologies are gaining bipartisan political support at the federal level. The article explores how innovative fire suppression and prevention technologies developed in California are being adopted nationwide, with growing backing from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. This technology transfer represents a rare area of political consensus on climate-related infrastructure and public safety investments. Source: politico.com
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-climate/2025/06/26/the-californi…

Google to Invest $25B in Data Centers, AI Infrastructure Across Largest US Electric Grid

Google announces a massive $25 billion investment over two years to expand data centers and AI infrastructure across the PJM Interconnection grid, covering 13 states and creating significant opportunities for electrical workers in the nation's largest electric grid region.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/15/google-to-invest-25-billion-in-data-centers-ai-i…

Program Increases Renewable Training, Prepares Young Workers for Electrical Careers (EW)

Illinois IBEW program expands renewable energy training opportunities for young workers, preparing the next generation of electricians for careers in the growing clean energy sector while addressing workforce development needs.
https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/illinois-program-increases-renewable-training…

Employment Boom: Locals Say Thousands Of Electricians Needed

Wyoming is experiencing a major electrician shortage as data centers drive explosive job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 23% growth in electrical trades for Wyoming, with wages rising from $54,000 in 2015 to $62,350 in 2024. Boomer retirements and new data center construction are creating thousands of job opportunities.
https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/07/06/data-centers-boomer-retirements-make-ele…

The US Grid Attack Looming on the Horizon

Power grid experts warn of record-breaking cyberattacks targeting electricity infrastructure, with utility attacks surging 70% in 2024. The U.S. electrical grid faces increasing vulnerability from nation-state actors like China and Russia, as well as domestic extremist groups targeting critical infrastructure that IBEW members help maintain and protect.
https://www.wired.com/story/youre-not-ready-for-a-grid-attack/

Cybersecurity Strategies for Smart Energy Systems

As power grids become increasingly digitized and interconnected, electrical workers face new challenges in maintaining secure energy systems. The article explores cybersecurity frameworks and best practices for protecting smart grid infrastructure that IBEW members install and maintain across the country.
https://www.powermag.com/securing-the-power-grid-cybersecurity-strategies-for-sm…

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