[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2393 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 385
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2393
To promote a 21st century energy workforce, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 31, 2019
Mr. Heinrich (for himself, Mr. Manchin, and Mr. Booker) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources
December 18, 2019
Reported by Ms. Murkowski, with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To promote a 21st century energy workforce, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Energy Jobs Act of
2019''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> In this Act:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Apprenticeship.--The term ``apprenticeship''
means an apprenticeship registered under the Act of August 16,
1937 (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) (commonly known as the ``National
Apprenticeship Act'').</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Educational institution.--The term
``educational institution'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) an elementary school;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) a secondary school; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) an institution of higher
education.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Elementary school.--The term ``elementary
school'' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Energy-related industry.--The term ``energy-
related industry'' includes each of the following
industries:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) The energy efficiency
industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) The renewable energy
industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) The chemical manufacturing
industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) The utility industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) The alternative fuels
industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) The pipeline industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) The nuclear energy industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (H) The oil and gas industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) The coal industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1002).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Labor organization.--The term ``labor
organization'' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of
the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) Local workforce development board.--The term
``local workforce development board'' has the meaning given the
term ``local board'' in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) Minority-serving institution.--The term
``minority-serving institution'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) a Hispanic-serving institution (as
defined in section 502(a) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)));</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) a Tribal College or University (as
defined in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)));</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) an Alaska Native-serving institution
(as defined in section 317(b) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)));</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) a Native Hawaiian-serving institution
(as defined in section 317(b) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)));</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) a Predominantly Black Institution (as
defined in section 318(b) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)));</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) a Native American-serving nontribal
institution (as defined in section 319(b) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059f(b)));
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) an Asian American and Native American
Pacific Islander-serving institution (as defined in
section 320(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059g(b))).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (9) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary
school'' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (10) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
Secretary of Energy.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (11) State workforce development board.--The term
``State workforce development board'' has the meaning given the
term ``State board'' in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (12) Workforce development program.--The term
``workforce development program'' has the meaning given the
term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 3. ENERGY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and
carry out a comprehensive and nationwide program (referred to in this
section as the ``program'') in accordance with this section to improve
education and training for jobs in energy-related industries (including
manufacturing, engineering, construction, and retrofitting jobs in
energy-related industries) to increase the number of skilled workers
trained to work in energy-related industries.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Workforce Development.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--In carrying out the program, the
Secretary shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) encourage underrepresented groups,
including religious and ethnic minorities, women,
veterans, individuals with disabilities, unemployed
energy workers, and socioeconomically disadvantaged
individuals, to enter into science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics fields;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) encourage educational institutions to
provide students with mentors and equip students with
the skills, training, and technical expertise necessary
to fill the employment opportunities vital to managing
and operating energy-related industries;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) provide internships, fellowships,
traineeships, apprenticeships, and employment at the
Department of Energy, including at National
Laboratories;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) provide research grants and technical
assistance to institutions of higher education, with
priority given to minority-serving
institutions;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) provide students and other candidates
for employment with the necessary skills and
certifications for skilled, semiskilled, and highly
skilled jobs in energy-related industries;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) ensure that the program is in
alignment with the Minorities in Energy Initiative of
the Department of Energy;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) engage with other programs and
laboratories in the Department of Energy that are
carrying out the Minorities in Energy Initiative of the
Department of Energy; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (H) to the maximum extent practicable,
collaborate with and support State workforce
development programs to maximize the efficiency of the
program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Priority.--In carrying out the program, the
Secretary shall prioritize the education and training of
underrepresented groups for jobs in energy-related
industries.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Direct Assistance.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--To carry out the program, the
Secretary shall provide direct assistance (including financial
assistance awards, technical expertise, and guidance on
internships) to educational institutions, local workforce
development boards, State workforce development boards,
nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, and
apprenticeship programs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Distribution.--The Secretary shall distribute
direct assistance under paragraph (1) in a manner that--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) is proportional to the needs of, and
demand for jobs in, an energy-related industry;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) is consistent with the information
obtained under subsections (e)(3) and (j).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Resource Center.--The Secretary shall establish an
online resource center--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) to maintain and update information and
resources on training programs for jobs in energy-related
industries (including manufacturing, engineering, construction,
and retrofitting jobs in energy-related industries);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) as a resource for educational institutions,
local workforce development boards, State workforce development
boards, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, and
apprenticeship programs that would like to develop and
implement training programs for the jobs described in paragraph
(1).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Collaboration and Report.--In carrying out the
program, the Secretary shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) collaborate with educational institutions,
local workforce development boards, State workforce development
boards, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations,
apprenticeship programs, and energy-related
industries;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) to facilitate the sharing of best practices
and approaches that best suit local, State, and national needs,
encourage and foster collaboration, mentorship, and partnership
between--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) industry, local workforce development
boards, State workforce development boards, nonprofit
organizations, labor organizations, and apprenticeship
programs that provide effective training programs for
jobs in energy-related industries; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) educational institutions that seek to
establish those programs; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) collaborate with the Commissioner of the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Secretary of Commerce, the
Director of the Bureau of the Census, and energy-related
industries--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to develop a comprehensive and
detailed understanding of the workforce needs of and
job opportunities in energy-related industries, by
State and by region; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to publish an annual report on job
creation in the energy-related industries described in
subparagraphs (A) through (L) of subsection
(j)(2).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Guidelines for Educational Institutions.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary, in collaboration
with the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Commerce, the
Secretary of Labor, and the Director of the National Science
Foundation, shall develop and provide to educational
institutions voluntary guidelines or best practices for
providing graduates with skills necessary for jobs in energy-
related industries (including manufacturing, engineering,
construction, and retrofitting jobs in energy-related
industries).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Input from industry.--In carrying out
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall solicit input from energy-
related industries.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Energy efficiency and conservation
initiatives.--The voluntary guidelines or best practices
developed under paragraph (1) shall include grade-specific
guidelines for teaching students and families of students
energy efficiency technology, manufacturing efficiency
technology, community energy resiliency, and conservation
initiatives.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) STEM education.--The guidelines or best
practices developed under paragraph (1) shall promote education
in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as it
relates to job opportunities in the energy-related industries
described in subsection (j)(2).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (g) Outreach to Minority-Serving Institutions.--The
Secretary shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) give special consideration to increasing
outreach to minority-serving institutions;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) make resources available to minority-serving
institutions to increase the number of skilled minorities and
women qualified for jobs in energy-related industries
(including manufacturing, engineering, construction, and
retrofitting jobs in energy-related industries);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) encourage energy-related industries to improve
opportunities for students of minority-serving institutions to
participate in industry internships and cooperative work-study
programs; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) work with the laboratories of the Department
of Energy to increase the participation of underrepresented
groups in internships, fellowships, training programs, and
employment at those laboratories.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (h) Outreach to Displaced and Unemployed Energy Workers.--
The Secretary shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) give special consideration to increasing
outreach to employers and job trainers preparing displaced and
unemployed energy workers for emerging jobs in energy-related
industries (including manufacturing, engineering, construction,
and retrofitting jobs in energy-related industries);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) make resources available to institutions that
serve displaced and unemployed energy workers to increase the
number of individuals trained for jobs in energy-related
industries (including manufacturing, engineering, construction,
and retrofitting jobs in energy-related industries);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) encourage energy-related industries to improve
opportunities for displaced and unemployed energy workers to
participate in industry internships and cooperative work-study
programs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) Enrollment in Training and Apprenticeship Programs.--
The Secretary shall collaborate with industry, local workforce
development boards, State workforce development boards, nonprofit
organizations, labor organizations, and apprenticeship programs to help
identify students and other candidates, including from underrepresented
communities such as minorities, women, and veterans, to enroll in
training and apprenticeship programs for jobs in energy-related
industries.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (j) Guidelines To Develop Skills for an Energy Industry
Workforce.--The Secretary shall, in collaboration with energy-related
industries--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) identify the areas within each energy-related
industry that has the greatest demand for workers;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) develop guidelines for the skills necessary to
work in each of the following energy-related
industries:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) The energy efficiency industry,
including work in conservation, weatherization,
retrofitting, and inspection and auditing of the
industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) The renewable energy industry,
including work in the development, engineering,
manufacturing, and production of renewable energy from
renewable energy sources (such as solar, hydropower,
wind, and geothermal energy).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) The community energy resiliency
industry, including work in installation of rooftop
solar, battery storage, and microgrid
technologies.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) The fuel cell and hydrogen energy
industry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) The manufacturing industry, including
work in operations technology, operations and design in
additive manufacturing, 3-dimensional printing,
advanced composites and advanced aluminum and other
metal alloys, industrial energy efficiency management
systems (including power electronics), and other
innovative technologies.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) The chemical manufacturing industry,
including work in construction (such as welding,
pipefitting, and tool and die making) and in the
position of instrument and electrical technician,
machinist, chemical process operator, engineer, quality
and safety professional, or reliability
engineer.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) The utility industry, including work
in the generation, transmission, and distribution of
electricity and natural gas, and in the position of
electrician, dispatcher, utility technician, operator,
lineworker, engineer, scientist, or information
technology specialist.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (H) The alternative fuels industry,
including work in biofuel development and
production.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) The pipeline industry, including work
in pipeline construction and maintenance and in the
position of engineer or technical advisor.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (J) The nuclear industry, including in the
position of scientist, engineer, technician,
mathematician, or security personnel.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (K) The oil and gas industry, including in
the position of scientist, engineer, technician,
mathematician, petrochemical engineer, or
geologist.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (L) The coal industry, including in the
position of coal miner, engineer, developer and
manufacturer of state-of-the-art coal facilities,
technology vendor, coal transportation worker or
operator, or mining equipment vendor.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 4. ENERGY WORKFORCE GRANT PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
means a business or labor management organization that--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A)(i) is directly involved with energy
efficiency, renewable energy technology, or reduction
in greenhouse gas emissions, as determined by the
Secretary; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) works on behalf of a business or
labor management organization that is directly involved
with energy efficiency, renewable energy technology, or
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as determined by
the Secretary; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) provides services related to--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) renewable electric energy
generation, including solar, wind, geothermal,
hydropower, and other renewable electric energy
generation technologies;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) energy efficiency, including
energy efficient lighting, heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning, air source
heat pumps, advanced building materials,
insulation and air sealing, and other high
efficiency products and services, and auditing
and inspection in energy efficiency;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) grid modernization or energy
storage, including smart grid, microgrid and
other distributed energy solutions, demand
response management, and home energy management
technology;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) advanced technologies that
improve the conversion, use, and storage of
carbon dioxide produced from fossil fuels,
including carbon capture and storage and direct
air capture;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) nuclear energy, including
nuclear research, development, demonstration,
and commercial application; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (vi) fuel cell and hybrid fuel
cell generation.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Labor management organization.--The term
``labor management organization'' includes a nonprofit
organization or qualified youth or conservation corps that
provides training to individuals to work for an eligible entity
that is a business, or works on behalf of an eligible entity
that is a business.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Establishment.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
program to provide grants to eligible entities to pay the wages
of a new or existing employee during the time period in which
the employee receives training to work in the renewable energy
sector, energy efficiency sector, or grid modernization
sector.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Guidelines.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation
with stakeholders, contractors, and organizations that work to
advance existing residential energy efficiency, shall establish
guidelines for the program under paragraph (1) to determine the
criteria for--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the wages or stipends that shall be
paid using the grant funds; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) training received by an employee that
qualifies under the program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Grants.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--An eligible entity desiring a
grant under subsection (b)(1) shall submit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Priority for targeted communities.--In
providing grants under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall
give priority to an eligible entity that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) recruits employees--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) from the one or more
communities that are served by the eligible
entity; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) that are minorities, women,
veterans, individuals who are or were foster
children, or individuals who are transitioning
from fossil energy sector jobs; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) provides trainees with the opportunity
to obtain real-world experience.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Use of grants.--An eligible entity may use a
grant received under subsection (b)(1)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in the case of an eligible entity with
20 or fewer employees, to pay not more than--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) 45 percent of the wages of an
employee for the duration of the training, if
the training is provided by the eligible
entity; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) 90 percent of the wages of an
employee for the duration of the training, if
the training is provided by an entity other
than the eligible entity;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in the case of an eligible entity with
21 to 99 employees, to pay not more than--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) 37.5 percent of the wages of
an employee for the duration of the training,
if the training is provided by the eligible
entity; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) 75 percent of the wages of an
employee for the duration of the training, if
the training is provided by an entity other
than the eligible entity; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) in the case of an eligible entity with
not less than 100 employees, to pay not more than--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) 25 percent of the wages of an
employee for the duration of the training, if
the training is provided by the eligible
entity; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) 50 percent of the wages of an
employee for the duration of the training, if
the training is provided by an entity other
than the eligible entity.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Grant amount.--An eligible entity may not
receive more than $100,000 per fiscal year under subsection
(b)(1).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2020 through 2024.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Energy Jobs Act of 2019''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Apprenticeship.--The term ``apprenticeship'' means an
apprenticeship registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (29
U.S.C. 50 et seq.) (commonly known as the ``National
Apprenticeship Act'').
(2) Energy-related industry.--The term ``energy-related
industry'' means an industry in which a substantial quantity of
economic activity, in the determination of the Secretary, is
economic activity relating to--
(A) clean energy generation, transmission,
distribution, consumption, storage, and conservation;
(B) carbon capture;
(C) fuels production or transportation; or
(D) community energy resilience.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101 and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section
102(a)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001,
1002(a)(1)).
(4) Labor organization.--The term ``labor organization''
has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the National
Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152).
(5) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational
agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801).
(6) Local workforce development board.--The term ``local
workforce development board'' has the meaning given the term
``local board'' in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
(7) Minority-serving institution.--The term ``minority-
serving institution'' means--
(A) a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in
section 502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1101a(a)));
(B) a Tribal College or University (as defined in
section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059c(b)));
(C) an Alaska Native-serving institution (as
defined in section 317(b) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)));
(D) a Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as
defined in section 317(b) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)));
(E) a Predominantly Black Institution (as defined
in section 318(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)));
(F) a Native American-serving nontribal institution
(as defined in section 319(b) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059f(b))); and
(G) an Asian American and Native American Pacific
Islander-serving institution (as defined in section
320(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1059g(b))).
(8) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary school'' has
the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(10) State educational agency.--The term ``State
educational agency'' has the meaning given the term in section
8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801).
(11) State workforce development board.--The term ``State
workforce development board'' has the meaning given the term
``State board'' in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
(12) Workforce development program.--The term ``workforce
development program'' has the meaning given the term in section
3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3102).
SEC. 3. ENERGY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and carry out a
comprehensive and nationwide program (referred to in this section as
the ``program'') in accordance with this section to improve education
and training for jobs in energy-related industries (including
manufacturing, engineering, construction, and retrofitting jobs in
energy-related industries) to increase the number of skilled workers
trained to work in energy-related industries with existing or expected
worker shortages.
(b) Workforce Development.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the program, the Secretary
shall--
(A) encourage underrepresented groups, including
religious and ethnic minorities, women, veterans,
individuals with disabilities, unemployed energy
workers, and socioeconomically disadvantaged
individuals, to enter into science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics fields;
(B) encourage secondary schools and institutions of
higher education to equip students with the skills,
training, and technical expertise necessary to fill
existing or expected worker shortages in energy-related
industries;
(C) provide internships, fellowships, traineeships,
and apprenticeships at the Department of Energy,
including at National Laboratories;
(D) provide energy workforce-related research
grants and technical assistance to institutions of
higher education, with priority given to minority-
serving institutions;
(E) provide students and other candidates for
employment with the necessary skills and certifications
for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand jobs in energy-
related industries;
(F) ensure that the program is in alignment with
the Minorities in Energy Initiative of the Department
of Energy;
(G) engage with other programs that are carrying
out the Minorities in Energy Initiative of the
Department of Energy; and
(H) to the maximum extent practicable, collaborate
with and support State workforce development programs
to maximize the efficiency of the program.
(2) Priority.--In carrying out the program, the Secretary
shall prioritize the education and training of underrepresented
groups for jobs in energy-related industries.
(c) Direct Assistance.--
(1) In general.--To carry out the program, the Secretary
shall provide direct assistance (including financial assistance
awards, technical expertise, and guidance) to local educational
agencies, local workforce development boards, State educational
agencies, State workforce development boards, institutions of
higher education, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations,
and apprenticeship programs.
(2) Distribution.--The Secretary shall distribute direct
assistance under paragraph (1) in a manner that--
(A) is reflective of the needs of, and demand for
jobs in, an energy-related industry; and
(B) is consistent with the information obtained
under subsections (e)(4) and (j).
(d) Resource Center.--The Secretary shall establish an online
resource center--
(1) to maintain and update information and resources on
training programs for jobs in energy-related industries
(including manufacturing, engineering, construction, and
retrofitting jobs in energy-related industries); and
(2) as a resource for local educational agencies, State
educational agencies, institutions of higher education, local
workforce development boards, State workforce development
boards, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, and
apprenticeship programs working to develop and implement
training programs for the jobs described in paragraph (1).
(e) Collaboration and Report.--In carrying out the program, the
Secretary shall--
(1) collaborate with local educational agencies, State
educational agencies, institutions of higher education, local
workforce development boards, State workforce development
boards, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations,
apprenticeship programs, and energy-related industries;
(2) facilitate the sharing of best practices and approaches
that best suit local, State, and national needs;
(3) encourage and foster collaboration, mentorship, and
partnership between--
(A) industry, local workforce development boards,
State workforce development boards, nonprofit
organizations, labor organizations, and apprenticeship
programs that provide effective training programs for
jobs in energy-related industries; and
(B) local educational agencies, State educational
agencies, and institutions of higher education that
seek to establish those programs; and
(4) collaborate with the Secretary of Labor, the
Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Secretary
of Commerce, the Director of the Bureau of the Census, and
energy-related industries--
(A) to develop a comprehensive and detailed
understanding of the workforce needs of, and job
opportunities in, energy-related industries, by State
and by region; and
(B) to publish an annual report on job creation in
the sectors of energy-related industries identified
under subsection (j)(1).
(f) Best Practices for Educational Institutions.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, in collaboration with the
Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Commerce, the
Secretary of Labor, and the Director of the National Science
Foundation, shall develop and provide to local educational
agencies, State educational agencies, or institutions of higher
education best practices for providing postsecondary students
with skills necessary for jobs in energy-related industries
(including manufacturing, engineering, construction, and
retrofitting jobs in energy-related industries).
(2) Input from industry.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall solicit input from energy-related
industries, especially energy-related industries with existing
or expected worker shortages.
(3) STEM education.--The best practices developed under
this subsection shall promote education in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics as it relates to job opportunities
in the sectors of energy-related industries identified under
subsection (j)(1).
(4) Energy efficiency and community energy resiliency
initiatives.--The Secretary shall develop and provide best
practices for teaching elementary and secondary students and
the families of those students about energy efficiency and
community energy resiliency.
(g) Outreach to Minority-serving Institutions.--The Secretary
shall--
(1) give special consideration to increasing outreach to
minority-serving institutions;
(2) make resources available to minority-serving
institutions to increase the number of skilled minorities and
women qualified for jobs in energy-related industries
(including manufacturing, engineering, construction, and
retrofitting jobs in energy-related industries);
(3) encourage energy-related industries to improve
opportunities for students of minority-serving institutions to
participate in industry internships and cooperative work-study
programs; and
(4) work with the Directors of the National Laboratories to
increase the participation of underrepresented groups in
internships, fellowships, training programs, and employment at
those laboratories.
(h) Outreach to Displaced and Unemployed Energy Workers.--The
Secretary shall--
(1) give special consideration to increasing outreach to
employers and job trainers preparing displaced and unemployed
energy workers for emerging jobs in energy-related industries
(including manufacturing, engineering, construction, and
retrofitting jobs in energy-related industries);
(2) make resources available to institutions that serve
displaced and unemployed energy workers to increase the number
of individuals trained for jobs in energy-related industries
(including manufacturing, engineering, construction, and
retrofitting jobs in energy-related industries); and
(3) encourage energy-related industries to improve
opportunities for displaced and unemployed energy workers to
participate in industry internships and cooperative work-study
programs.
(i) Enrollment in Training and Apprenticeship Programs.--The
Secretary shall collaborate with industry, local workforce development
boards, State workforce development boards, nonprofit organizations,
labor organizations, and apprenticeship programs to help identify
students and other candidates, including from underrepresented
communities such as minorities, women, and veterans, to enroll in
training and apprenticeship programs for jobs in energy-related
industries.
(j) Guidelines to Develop Skills for an Energy Industry
Workforce.--The Secretary shall, in collaboration with energy-related
industries, identify the sectors within each energy-related industry
that have the greatest demand for workers and develop guidelines for
the skills necessary to work in those sectors.
(k) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section authorizes any
department, agency, officer, or employee of the Federal government to
exercise any direction, supervision, or control over--
(1) the curriculum, program of instruction, or
instructional content of any State, local educational agency,
or school; or
(2) the selection of library resources, textbooks, or other
printed or published instructional materials used by any State,
local educational agency, or school.
SEC. 4. ENERGY WORKFORCE PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a
business or labor management organization that--
(A)(i) is directly involved with energy efficiency,
renewable energy technology, or reduction in greenhouse
gas emissions, as determined by the Secretary; or
(ii) works on behalf of a business or labor
management organization that is directly involved with
energy efficiency, renewable energy technology, or
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as determined by
the Secretary; or
(B) provides services related to--
(i) energy efficiency and renewable energy
technology deployment and maintenance;
(ii) grid modernization; or
(iii) reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
through the use of other low-carbon
technologies.
(2) Labor management organization.--The term ``labor
management organization'' includes a nonprofit organization or
qualified youth or conservation corps that provides training to
individuals to work for an eligible entity that is a business,
or works on behalf of an eligible entity that is a business.
(3) Pilot program.--The term ``pilot program'' means the
pilot program established under subsection (b).
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with
the Secretary and in accordance with section 169(b) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3224(b)), shall establish a
pilot program to provide competitively awarded cost-shared grants to
eligible entities to pay for on-the-job training of a new or existing
employee to work--
(1) in renewable energy, energy efficiency, or grid
modernization; or
(2) on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
(c) Grants.--
(1) In general.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under
the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary of Labor an
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary of Labor may require.
(2) Priority for targeted communities.--In providing grants
under the pilot program, the Secretary of Labor shall give
priority to an eligible entity that--
(A) recruits employees--
(i) from the 1 or more communities that are
served by the eligible entity; and
(ii) that are minorities, women, veterans,
individuals who are or were foster children, or
individuals who are transitioning from fossil
energy sector jobs;
(B) provides trainees with the opportunity to
obtain real-world experience; and
(C) has fewer than 100 employees.
(3) Use of grant for federal share.--
(A) In general.--An eligible entity shall use a
grant received under the pilot program to pay the
Federal share of the cost of providing on-the-job
training for an employee, in accordance with
subparagraph (B).
(B) Federal share amount.--The Federal share
described in subparagraph (A) shall not exceed--
(i) in the case of an eligible entity with
20 or fewer employees, 45 percent of the cost
of on-the-job-training for an employee;
(ii) in the case of an eligible entity with
not fewer than 21 employees and not more than
99 employees, 37.5 percent of the cost of on-
the-job-training for an employee; and
(iii) in the case of an eligible entity
with not fewer than 100 employees, 25 percent
of the cost of on-the-job-training for an
employee.
(4) Employer payment of non-federal share.--
(A) In general.--The non-Federal share of the cost
of providing on-the-job training for an employee under
a grant received under the pilot program shall be paid
in cash or in kind by the employer of the employee
receiving the training.
(B) Inclusions.--The non-Federal share described in
subparagraph (A) may include the amount of wages paid
by the employer to the employee during the time that
the employee is receiving on-the-job training, as
fairly evaluated by the Secretary of Labor.
(5) Grant amount.--An eligible entity may not receive more
than $100,000 per fiscal year in grant funds under the pilot
program.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2020 through 2022.
Calendar No. 385
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2393
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To promote a 21st century energy workforce, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
December 18, 2019
Reported with an amendment