By Ed Hill Jr, IBEW 3rd District

My family has been part of Pennsylvania for generations. This is home. And for generations, the people here have powered this state through hard work, skilled trades, and strong communities.

I grew up in a union family, so I saw firsthand what steady work makes possible. A reliable paycheck. Benefits you can count on. The ability to raise a family without constant uncertainty. It gave people a reason to stay rooted where they grew up instead of leaving to find opportunity somewhere else.

Today, I work in business development for the IBEW across Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. I work with local unions, contractors, and developers to help bring energy projects into our communities and make sure local workers have a chance to build them.

For more than 130 years, IBEW members have built and maintained the systems that keep the lights on in this country. Solar is part of the next chapter of that work.

When solar projects move forward in Pennsylvania, the impact shows up quickly. Electricians go to work. Apprentices get hands-on training. Contractors hire local crews. Small businesses see more customers. Families gain access to stable careers that allow them to build a future close to home.

That matters because a lot of communities are asking the same question right now: where will the next generation of opportunity come from?

I hear it in conversations with union leaders across the state. Young people want a path that leads somewhere solid. They want to learn a skill, earn a good living, and see a future for themselves here in Pennsylvania.

That is what a strong apprenticeship can provide. You work alongside experienced tradespeople, build real skills, and see your progress over time. You are not just earning a paycheck. You are building a career.

And when those opportunities exist locally, communities become stronger. Families stay rooted. Local unions grow. Businesses benefit. People can invest in the places they care about instead of feeling forced to leave them behind.

But none of this happens automatically. Solar projects need to be done the right way. They should create real opportunities for local workers and deliver lasting value to the communities hosting them.

Pennsylvania has always powered America through coal, steel, manufacturing, and skilled labor. We should approach solar with that same sense of pride and responsibility.

Because this is not about replacing who we are. It is about making sure the next generation still has the chance to build something solid here at home.