SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5051

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.

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.

Also in 2007 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 DOE and CTED to provide a report every even-numbered year on the total GHG emissions for each major source sector.

In 2008 the Legislature passed E2SHB 2815, Providing a Framework for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Washington Economy. This legislation established the Green Economy Jobs Growth Initiative based on the goal of increasing the number of clean energy sector jobs. Additionally, a green industries job training account was created to train and transition workers to clean economy industry jobs.

Summary of Bill: 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, must adopt rules to implement the program. CTED must provide an interim report to the Legislature by December 1, 2011, and a final report by December 1, 2013. The report must detail the effectiveness and any recommendations for the program.

The program takes effect July 1, 2009, and expires June 30, 2014.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is based on a program in Berkeley, California. This bill is focused on youth that did not fit into the marketplace and system. This program is a partnership with business, labor, and the community, and works with youth who would not be in the mainstream market for training. This program focuses on disaffected youth and working within community partners. This bill has to do with energy efficiency. We would like to see an amendment including apprenticeship. In ten years this issue will be huge and we would like to be leaders in this area. There is a need for this mechanical ability and for individuals to be trained to replace those that are retiring. This bill is worth its merits and looks at global warming and urban poverty and finding a solution for both. We need to catch-up in this industry for our young people. We need to figure out how to get people into green jobs. There is a growing need for these kinds of workers in this industry. We hope this program will connect with existing programs. Work is being done in pre-apprenticeship programs with wind turbines. High schools need a pathway to pre-apprenticeship work. We need to prepare young people and train for family wage jobs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Franklin, prime sponsor; Christian Dube, International Union of Engineers (IUOE) 286; Miguel Perez, Climate Solutions; Jim King, Washington State HVAC/R Association; Randy Loomans, IUOE 302; Bob Gunther, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 77; Lincoln Ferris, NACA'N Consulting.