Heinrich’s Clean Energy Jobs Act Receives Key Hearing
Senator Heinrich introduced the Clean Energy Jobs Act to establish a comprehensive, nationwide program at the Department of Energy to improve education and training for careers in clean energy
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 13, 2019) – The Clean Energy Jobs Act (S. 2393), introduced by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) received a hearing on Wednesday in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy. The bill establishes a comprehensive, nationwide program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create a well-trained workforce of engineers. 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 jobs all across America — particularly in our rural communities. Wind technician and solar installer are already two of the fastest growing American careers,” said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy. “The Clean Energy Jobs Act will help students and workers learn the skills they need to build energy careers in New Mexico and across the nation. I’m pleased this bill is gaining momentum in the Senate.”
The bill provides DOE new authority to offer direct assistance to schools, workforce development boards, and labor organizations. The bill also establishes a grant program to provide funds to businesses to pay employees who are receiving training to work in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, grid modernization, carbon capture and sequestration, and fuel cell sectors.
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.
Testimony and the archived webcast of the hearing is available here.
