[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