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This Week's Top News 8/6/21

1. SENATE VOTES ON AMENDMENTS TO INFRASTRUCTURE BILL

The Senate was in session this week working through amendments to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. NECA, along with a large coalition of groups, sent a letter to the Senate encouraging swift passage of the traditional infrastructure bill. The Senate is currently working through assembling a package of amendments for the legislation.

NECA’s Look Ahead: While the timing is uncertain on a final vote, it could come as soon as this weekend or as late as next. NECA will continue to update membership as we move toward final passage of the bill.

2. NECA'S MARCO GIAMBERARDINO DISCUSSES EV INFRASTRUCTURE WITH ENERGY SECRETARY GRANHOLM

On Thursday, NECA took part in a roundtable discussion with the U.S. Department of Energy, conducted by Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and featuring Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-Mich.). During the event, “Place-Based Supply Chain Developments for the 21st Century,” NECA was represented by Marco A. Giamberardino, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. He discussed how national funding for electric vehicle storage equipment (EVSE) could impact the electrical construction industry, our nation’s infrastructure, and the overall economy. He provided insight on how NECA is working to advance these projects and ensure the safe and effective installation of EVSE infrastructure around the country. Giamberardino touched on all the ways NECA has advanced the safe installation of EVSEs, including its National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS), which published NECA 413, a standard specifically focused on EVSEs. NECA also served as a key partner in the formation of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), which is the leading training program for advancing the safe installation of these systems.

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA will continue to promote the innovative and economic potential of EV charging infrastructure and advocate for funding to be included as part of a comprehensive infrastructure investment package in 2021.

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3. ON THE PASSING OF WORKER ADVOCATE RICHARD TRUMKA

NECA CEO, David Long, made the following statement late Thursday night:

"Richard Trumka was a lifelong advocate for American workers, and a giant of the labor movement. His influence cannot be overstated and his loss marks the end of an era for organized labor in the United States. Our hearts here at NECA go out to his family."

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard's family and friends during this time. He will be greatly missed.

Spotlight: Welcome Jared Karbowsky to the Government Affairs Team!

This week, Jared Karbowsky joined the team as Director of Government Affairs. Jared previously worked for Congressman Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), the first IBEW electrician elected to Congress. During his work with the Congressman as a Legislative Assistant, he handled all the labor, infrastructure, pensions, transportation, workforce, government procurement, and energy policy for the Congressman. Jared was a lead staffer on Davis-Bacon legislation and multiemployer pension legislation.

Prior to his work with Congressman Norcross, he worked with Congressman Anthony Brown (D-Md.), working in the district handling his state affairs within Maryland and Annapolis.