II 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3124 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 12, 2008 Mr. Smith (for himself and Mr. Wyden) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To require the Secretary of Labor to establish a program to provide for workforce training and education, at community colleges, in the fields of renewable energy and efficiency, green technology, and sustainable environmental practices.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Community College Sustainability Act.

2.

Community college sustainability

(a)

Definition

In this Act, the term community college means a 2-year institution of higher education, as such term is defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). (b)

Workforce training and education in renewable energy and efficiency, green technology, and sustainable environmental practices

From funds made available under subsection (d), the Secretary of Labor shall carry out a sustainability workforce training and education program. In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall award grants to community colleges to provide workforce training and education in industries and practices, such as— (1)alternative energy, including wind and solar energy; (2)green construction, green retrofitting, and green design; (3)green chemistry, green nanotechnology, or green technology; (4)water and energy conservation; (5)recycling and waste reduction; (6)sustainable agriculture and farming; and (7)sustainable culinary practices. (c)

Award considerations

Of the funds made available under subsection (b) for a fiscal year, not less than $50,000,000 shall be awarded to community colleges with existing (as of the date of the award) sustainability programs that lead to certificates or degrees in 1 or more of the industries and practices described in paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (b). (d)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated and there are appropriated to carry out this Act $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and each subsequent fiscal year.