BCTNN Applauds Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass Project Funding

Reno, NV – March 14, 2024 – The Building & Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada (BCTNN) is thrilled to announce that Lithium Americas has received a substantial $2.26 billion in funding from the Economic Development Authority (EDA) for their Thacker Pass project. Lithium Americas signed a Project Labor Agreement on Thacker Pass with North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and BCTNN last year.

BCTNN Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rob Benner stated, “This project is a significant milestone for our region. It will not only create hundreds of union jobs but also lay the foundation for a robust lithium industry in Northern Nevada. We are excited about the opportunities this presents for our members and the community at large.

The Thacker Pass project is a testament to Nevada’s growing importance to national security, energy independence, and green energy. The lithium extracted from Thacker Pass will play a crucial role in the production of lithium-ion batteries, a key component in the transition to green transportation and energy storage.

Benner added, “The Thacker Pass project aligns with our commitment to promoting sustainable practices and green energy while helping build Nevada’s future. It’s a win-win situation - we’re creating union jobs while contributing to energy independence and national security.”

BCTNN is proud to support Lithium Americas on this project and looks forward to the positive impact the Thacker Pass project will have on Northern Nevada’s economy and the nation’s green energy initiatives.

###

Media Contact: Wendy Colborne, (775) 247-4390 | wendy@bctnn.org

About BCTNN: The Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada has been training, supporting, and advancing the men and women who build Northern Nevada since 1928. We represent more than a dozen local trades affiliates and their members by: 

• Facilitating and promoting state-of-the-art workforce training programs, 

• Furthering opportunities for construction career growth from apprenticeship to small business ownership, 

• Providing a highly-skilled workforce to local construction industry companies, 

• Partnering with local leaders and organizations to improve our communities, 

• Lobbying for fair labor rights and issues at the local and national levels, and

• Promoting economic development in Northern Nevada to keep our region growing and vibrant and a great place to live, work, and play.

The Council is located in Reno-Sparks, and our service area includes Carson City and the counties of Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, White Pine, and portions of Nye County.

BCTNN Statement on Lithium Americas Project MOU

Reno, NV – April 13, 2023 – The Building & Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada applauds North America’s Building Trades Unions, Bechtel Corporation and Lithium Americas for the signing of a joint memorandum of understanding for the Thacker Pass Project in Northern Nevada which will tap into the largest deposit of lithium in North America.

“We are looking forward to working with Lithium Americas, a world leader in renewable energy development, on building a world-class lithium mine and refinery right here in Nevada," said BCTNN Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rob Benner. "This project agreement will mean thousands of good-paying union jobs for Nevadans and will help pave the way for our country’s clean energy future.”

“BCTNN appreciates the work that North America’s Building Trades Unions have done in helping secure this MOU at a national level, and we look forward to a strong partnership with Bechtel and Lithium Americas over the coming years," said Secretary-Treasurer Benner.

“As we begin construction on Thacker Pass with the goal of enabling secure domestic battery supply chains, it is vital to have the right workforce to advance our project,” said Jonathan Evans, President and CEO of Lithium Americas. “This partnership with the NABTU and Bechtel will provide us continued access to skilled tradespeople while supporting our efforts around apprenticeship, local hiring, and job training. Powered by American labor, we look forward to strengthening our nation’s energy security, driving economic growth, and accelerating our energy transition.”

###

Media Contact: Wendy Colborne, (775) 247-4390 | wendy@bctnn.org

About BCTNN: The Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada has been training, supporting, and advancing the men and women who build Northern Nevada since 1928. We represent more than a dozen local trades affiliates and their members by: 

• Facilitating and promoting state-of-the-art workforce training programs, 

• Furthering opportunities for construction career growth from apprenticeship to small business ownership, 

• Providing a highly-skilled workforce to local construction industry companies, 

• Partnering with local leaders and organizations to improve our communities, 

• Lobbying for fair labor rights and issues at the local and national levels, and

• Promoting economic development in Northern Nevada to keep our region growing and vibrant and a great place to live, work, and play.

The Council is located in Reno-Sparks, and our service area includes Carson City and the counties of Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, White Pine, and portions of Nye County.