Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss provisions in the infrastructure bill to remove lead pipes and provide millions of Americans access to clean drinking water.

Under the bill, the U.S. federal government has allotted $15 billion over the next five years to be spent on removing lead pipes and replacing them with iron, copper or PVC piping. The money will also be used to remove lead paint found on walls and floors, or used as a coating for pipes. The removal of lead paint within pipe insulation will be performed by Mechanical Insulators and is often done within the process of removing asbestos, he said.

The infrastructure bill creates significant opportunities for the construction industry, Ielmini said. This is an ideal time for anyone interested to start a career in the mechanical insulation industry or the other building trades. The infrastructure bill will create work opportunities for members of the trades for the next 20 to 40 years, he added.

Lastly, Ielmini spoke about the role of mechanical insulation in energy efficiency and fighting climate change — efforts essential to the infrastructure bill. A building or boiler that has been properly insulated uses less fuel, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a lower climate footprint. Mechanical insulation will play a critical role in a carbon neutral society, he said.

Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics:

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