AGC-Supported Legislation Ensuring Green Job Training Funds Are Available to All Contractors Introduced This Week

As part of the enacted Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, an energy and renewable energy worker training program was established through a provision known as the Green Jobs Act.  The Green Jobs Act, as currently written, would limit training grant funding to only entities that coordinate with labor organizations.  AGC is supportive of the creation of such a grant program as part of an effort to create an energy efficiency and renewable energy-skilled workforce.  AGC supports the opportunity to qualify for such grants for all contractors, both union and open shop, that have accredited training programs. This week, a bill (HR 2026) was introduced by Congressman Kline (R-Minn.) that would open up the Green Jobs Act to allow any contractor, regardless of union affiliation, with an accredited training program to compete for grants under The Green Jobs Act.  AGC is working towards introduction of a Senate companion bill.   The introduction of the bill in the House comes as Congress begins to focus on green jobs, both to define the term and train for such jobs.  AGC has sent letters to the House Education and Labor Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee explaining the large role the construction industry plays in a green economy, the criteria for green jobs, and the importance that training be made available to the entire industry.