Requires every renewable energy generating project receiving grants, guaranteed loans, tax benefits or funding from New York state to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the operation and maintenance of such project with a bona fide labor organization of jurisdiction that is actively engaged in representing transitioning utility workers in the fossil fuel industry.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9437
SPONSOR: Bronson TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to requiring certain renewable energy generating
projects to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the operation
and maintenance of such project with a bona fide labor organization
PURPOSE:
To require certain renewable energy generating projects to enter into a
memorandum of understanding for the operation and maintenance of such
project with a bona fide labor organization
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 requires certain renewable energy developers receiving state
assistance to hire and maintain an operation and maintenance workforce
from those losing their jobs because of the transition away from fossil
fuels.
JUSTIFICATION:
This initiative holds great potential to ensure a just transition for
fossil fuel workers, providing them with meaningful employment opportu-
nities in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
As we navigate the transition towards a more sustainable energy future,
it is essential that our policies not only prioritize environmental
considerations but also address the socio-economic impacts on the exist-
ing workforce. By mandating MOUs with labor organizations, we create a
structured mechanism to integrate transitioning fossil fuel workers into
the renewable energy sector. This proactive approach not only safe-
guards the livelihoods of these workers but also fosters a fair and
inclusive green economy.
The MOUs can serve as a vital tool for collaboration between project
developers and labor organizations, outlining the terms and conditions
for the operation and maintenance of renewable energy projects. This
collaborative framework ensures that skilled workers, with valuable
experience in the energy sector, are actively engaged in the development
and operation of these projects. Furthermore, it contributes to the
stability of the workforce, enhancing the overall success and sustaina-
bility of renewable energy initiatives.
New York State has consistently demonstrated leadership in advancing
clean energy initiatives, and integrating labor considerations into our
renewable energy projects aligns with our commitment to social responsi-
bility and the creation of stable, well-paying jobs that will benefit
our communities.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
9437
IN ASSEMBLY
March 14, 2024
___________
Introduced by M. of A. BRONSON -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Energy
AN ACT in relation to requiring certain renewable energy generating
projects to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the operation
and maintenance of such project with a bona fide labor organization
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Every renewable energy generating project receiving grants,
2 guaranteed loans, tax benefits or funding from New York state, shall
3 demonstrate that the developer or other entities owning such renewable
4 generating project has entered into a memorandum of understanding for
5 the operation and maintenance of such project with a bona fide labor
6 organization of jurisdiction that is actively engaged in representing
7 transitioning utility workers in the fossil fuel industry. Such memoran-
8 dum shall be entered into prior to the completion date of such project
9 and the memorandum shall be an ongoing material condition of authori-
10 zation to operate and maintain the renewable energy project. The memo-
11 randum shall only apply to employees necessary for the maintenance and
12 operation of such renewable energy generation project. Such memorandum
13 shall contain, but not be limited to, safety and training standards,
14 disaster response measures, guaranteed hours, staffing levels, pay rate
15 protection and retraining programs.
16 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14517-01-4
