I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1781 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 30, 2009 Mr. Space introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor A BILL To direct the Secretary of Labor to carry out a sustainability workforce training and education program.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Renew Through Green Jobs Act of 2009.

2.

Workforce training and education in clean energy, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, and sustainable environmental practices

(a)

Definition

In this section, the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). (b)

In general

From funds made available under subsection (e), 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 institutions of higher education to provide workforce training and education in industries and practices, such as— (1)clean energy, including wind, solar, and geothermal energy; (2)green construction, green retrofitting, and green design; (3)green chemistry, (4)water and energy conservation; (5)recycling and waste reduction; (6)sustainable agriculture and farming; (7)sustainable culinary practices; (8)smart grid technology, design, and deployment; (9)advanced vehicle technology, including plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (10)electric power transmission systems, including upgrading and reconductoring. (c)

Award considerations

Of the funds made available under subsection (b) for a fiscal year, not less than half shall be awarded to institutions of higher education with existing (as of the date of the award) academic programs that lead to certificates or degrees in 1 or more of the industries and practices described in paragraphs (1) through (10) of subsection (b). (d)

Peer review

The Secretary shall convene a peer review process to review applications for grants under this section and to make recommendations regarding the selection of grantees. Members of the peer review committee shall include— (1)educators who have relevant experience in implementing curricula with comparable aims and subject matter; and (2)business and industry experts who work in clean energy-related fields. (e)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for fiscal year 2009 and each subsequent fiscal year.