SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6605
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce, Research & Development, February 07, 2008
Title: An act relating to creating an energy efficiency worker training program.
Brief Description: Creating an energy efficiency worker training program.
Sponsors: Senators Franklin, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Hobbs, Murray, Marr, Keiser, Kauffman, Shin, McAuliffe, Regala, Rasmussen, Brown, Pridemore, Kline, Eide, Fraser, Tom and Kilmer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce, Research & Development: 2/5/08, 2/7/08 [DPS-WM, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6605 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Franklin, Murray and Prentice.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senators Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Hewitt and King.
Staff: Ingrid Mungia (786-7423)
Background: On February 7, 2007, Governor Gregoire issued an executive order establishing
goals for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reductions, for increasing clean energy sector jobs,
and for reducing expenditures on imported fuel. The executive order also directed the Department
of Ecology (DOE) and the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development
(CTED) to lead stakeholders in a process that will consider a full range of policies and strategies
to achieve the emissions goals.
Last year the Legislature passed ESSB 6001, Mitigating the Impacts of Climate Change, placing
into statute the goals for GHG emission reductions and increasing clean energy jobs. The
legislation also requires the Department of Ecology (Ecology) and CTED to provide a report
every even-numbered year on the total GHG emissions for each major source sector.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Washington Energy Efficiency Worker
Training Program (program) is created within the CTED. The program is created to help
individuals, including at-risk youth, prepare for jobs in the energy-efficient building, construction,
and retrofit industries.
The program must provide occupational skills training in the energy-efficient building,
construction, and retrofit industries. The program may include internship programs in fields
related to energy efficiency and renewable energy.
CTED, in collaboration with the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the
Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Washington State
Apprenticeship and Training Council, must adopt rules to implement the program. CTED must
provide an interim report to the Legislature by December 1, 2010, and a final report by December
1, 2012. The report must detail the effectiveness and any recommendations for the program.
The program takes effect July 1, 2008, and expires June 30, 2013.
EFFECT OF RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE (Labor, Commerce, Research & Development): Adds the Washington state building and construction trades council, and the Washington state apprenticeship and training council to who the department of community trade and economic development must collaborate with in adopting rules to implement the program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 1, 2008.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2008.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Too many youth are involved in violence and caught up in things not helping them be productive citizens. This program will help at-risk youth to become productive. It will reach out and capture over-looked youth. It will improve jobs and give them green collar jobs. This bill is patterned on what is already happening, and helps youth who have barriers to jobs. This is a very good bill. There is a need in the industry for more trained workers. Washington State is in need of more trained jobs. As the state deliberates green house gas emissions, this is a welcomed start to helping solve the problem. It would be helpful if this program provided training in skills that businesses really needed. CTED should be required to work with businesses and utilities in rule-making to make sure the right skills are provided for in training. There is a high unemployment rate between 18 and 20 year olds right now. This program would help fill that void.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Franklin, prime sponsor; Jim King, WA State HVAC/R Association; Marian Wineman, League of Women Voters of Washington; Carrie Dolwick, NW Energy Coalition.