Feature story from the RENEW/NextGen conference in Portland highlights how these programs for members 35 and under are crucial for union growth, with 215 committees now active across North America focusing on organizing, leadership development, and building stronger local unions through community engagement and political activism.

International President Kenneth W. Cooper emphasizes that RENEW and NextGen members are leading the IBEW now, not just preparing for future leadership, as the union added 24,000 members in the past year and needs young workers to help meet growing demand for skilled electricians across all sectors.

Lansing Local 665 helped pass ordinance amendment using weighted scoring system for public construction projects, prioritizing quality training, safety programs, and worker benefits over simply lowest cost.

Over 200 workers at nuclear manufacturer Framatome voted 118-64 to join Seattle Local 77 after fast-paced organizing campaign focused on better benefits, wages, and working conditions.

Governor Hochul faces criticism from environmental groups over recent energy decisions prioritizing affordability ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Her "all-of-the-above" energy approach includes approving the NESE pipeline and delaying the all-electric buildings mandate, citing concerns about energy costs, grid reliability, and potential shortages downstate. Critics argue these moves contradict the state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals.

New York agreed to delay implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act, which bans gas hookups in new buildings, pending an appellate court ruling on a lawsuit by gas and construction trade groups. The mandate was scheduled to begin January 1, 2026 for buildings under seven stories. The delay follows concerns about construction costs, housing affordability, and NYISO reports warning of potential grid reliability issues in downstate regions within five years.

NYS DEC reversed three previous denials to approve the $1 billion Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, which will run 23 miles underwater from Pennsylvania through New Jersey to Queens, providing natural gas capacity for 2.3 million homes in NYC, Long Island, and Staten Island. The approval marks New York's first new gas pipeline in over a decade and its largest fossil fuel expansion since the 2019 Climate Act, drawing both support from business groups citing affordability and opposition from environmental advocates citing climate concerns.

Rep. Donald Norcross (Local 351), only IBEW electrician in Congress, introduces bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act to combat union-busting delay tactics. Bill establishes 120-day timeline for first-contract negotiations, moving from talks (Day 10) to federal mediation (Day 90) to binding arbitration (Day 120+). Addresses problem where newly organized workers wait average 458 days for first contract. House companion to bipartisan Senate measure by Sens. Hawley and Booker aims to level playing field for workers who courageously organize.

IBEW-led lineworker rodeo debuts at Iowa State Fair, attracting 4,000+ visitors including Gov. Kim Reynolds and federal legislators. Fifteen teams of union journeymen from Iowa locals competed in four timed events including cutout change-outs, power line flips, emergency rescues, and signature egg climb. Event showcases labor-utility cooperation through LAMPAC partnership, with plans to make rodeo annual tradition and key organizing tool for recruiting veterans and young workers into IBEW.

International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble argues that unions are what make manufacturing jobs good jobs, citing model partnership between Local 2173 and Delta Star. Noble warns that momentum from Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and CHIPS Act is threatened by current administration reversals. He urges locals to leverage Clean Technology Training Trust to organize manufacturing sector, noting union membership below 10% demands aggressive action to restore North American manufacturing as middle-class foundation.