"In the weeks ahead, we will be given the opportunity to change the direction of our environment, economy and national security. The American Power Act has given us all that opportunity – business and labor, Democrats and Republicans, young and old – to finally transform this nation from energy dependence to independence, and from an energy importer to exporter.

"In the process, hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs per year will be created here in America, and every step must be taken to assure that those workers receive fair wages."

That comment regarding the American Power Act introduced by Senators John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) comes from Bill Hite, General President of the United Association, a multi-craft union whose 350,000 members engage in the fabrication, installation and servicing of piping systems.

Hite also serves as an advocate of labor/wage concerns, progressive energy policies and long-term energy solutions for the U.S.

The American Power Act provides for billions of dollars in consumer refunds and tax credits to offset price hikes, while the nation weans itself from foreign oil and reduces harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

President Barack Obama has endorsed the proposal, stating, "Americans know what's at stake by continuing our dependence on fossil fuels. But the challenges we face – underscored by the immense tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico – are reason to redouble our efforts to reform our nation's energy policies." Obama has called on the Senate to move ahead so that a final bill can be enacted this year.

Top Priorities

Hite stated that not only will hundreds of thousands of jobs per year be created by the American Power Act, but this proposed legislation also will mean the beginning of energy independence for our country. The workforce of the United Association, he added, stands ready to assist in implementing the construction of these new energy facilities.

"Improving both our economy and our environment are top priorities that need to be addressed without delay," said Hite, "and our trained workers are ready to take on the task of building safe, clean energy solutions for our country. We also need to make sure that all workers involved with these projects will receive fair and appropriate compensation for their efforts."

According to a summary of the American Power Act from the office of Senator Kerry, this legislation will "launch America into a position of leadership in the global clean energy economy."

The summary adds, "Our approach sets an achievable national pollution reduction target and refunds the money raised right back to American consumers and American businesses. This is not a plan that enriches Wall Street speculators. And this is certainly not a plan to grow the government. It is a plan that sets us on a course toward energy independence and economic resurgence."

Fair Wages for American Workers

With all the jobs that will come with the American Power Act comes a pressing concern for our country's workers: Will everyone working on these projects nationwide receive fair wages?

The Davis-Bacon Act, Hite noted, offers an effective, time-tested answer to this concern. "For nearly 80 years, the Davis-Bacon law has stood up for fair wages with government-funded construction projects throughout America," he said. "This law has guaranteed that government-funded construction projects pay fair wages and hire local and skilled workers, and the public has always benefited from that policy."

Hite stressed that prevailing wages must be a prevailing principle in public policy. "Davis-Bacon guidelines need to be included in all aspects of the American Power Act," he said, "and I urge the leadership in Congress, and the White House, to join the United Association as we support that initiative."

The Right Thing to Do and the Right Time to Do It

"This bill will clean up our energy infrastructure, strengthen national security, and put grateful Americans back to work," stated General President Hite.

"The addition of prevailing wage laws will make the American Power Act even stronger and more effective. I would ask that everyone consider: Can we afford not to pass this bill? Time cannot be squandered and this may be our last call to act. We need to make it happen now. It's not only the right thing to do – it's the right time to do it."

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