ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) - Prioritizing clean energy jobs: that's the goal of a new $3 million initiative put forward toward Cornell's Climate Jobs Institute. Lawmakers said they strive for these funds to protect workers of the present and the future, adding the investment will help the transition from a fossil economy to a green energy economy. "We know there's a great need to address climate change. It's clear to us as we see more record heat situations, severe flooding, smoke-filled skies, and these are only getting worse. So, we have to address it. We want to make sure that we protect wage standards with prevailing wage laws, make sure we expand access to pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs. That's what we have right here, an apprenticeship program that will help make sure our workers are high-skilled, and ready for the job," said Assemblymember Harry Bronson who represents the NYS Assembly's 138th District. The Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell aims to create and invest in high-quality union jobs and build a more diverse workforce, while prioritizing clean energy projects across New York State. "These green energy projects are able to give these individuals hope and opportunity to gain longful careers for them and their families for generations to come, which provides them with a living wage, health care, and retirement plans for the rest of their life," said Grant Malone, executive director for the Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council. Leaders said this round of state funding will help support generations to come, along with the transition toward a fossil-free economy. "We're trying to make sure we have a just transition. Just for the folks who are currently employed, so they can transition into these new emerging workforces. And just for folks left on the economic sidelines for far too long, bringing them into these emerging workforces," said Bronson. More information about the Climate Jobs Institute can be found here.