Heinrich Passes Clean Energy Jobs Act Out Of Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 12, 2019) – Today, The Clean Energy Jobs Act (S. 2393), introduced by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), was passed by a voice vote in a key legislative business meeting in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The bill establishes a comprehensive, nationwide program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create a well-trained workforce in the energy sector. This program would improve education and training for careers in energy-related industries, especially for minorities and other underrepresented groups in New Mexico.

“The clean energy transition represents our greatest opportunity to create millions of new careers all across America — particularly in our rural communities,” said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy. “The Clean Energy Jobs Act will help students and workers learn the necessary skills needed to meet the increasing demand for trained workers, particularly in solar, wind, storage, and energy efficiency. I am pleased to have growing support for this legislation as we continue to build a sustainable clean energy workforce in New Mexico and across the nation.”

The bill provides DOE new authority to offer direct assistance to schools, workforce development boards, and labor organizations. The bill also establishes a pilot program to provide funds to businesses to pay employees who are receiving training to work in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid modernization sectors or provide services related to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

To view the full text of the Clean Energy Jobs Act introduced by Senator Heinrich and co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), click HERE.