HB 19-1314: Just Transition From Coal-Based Electrical Energy Economy
This bill regards ensuring just transition in Colorado as we move towards a more renewable energy-based economy- the transition is 'just' in that 'no one is left behind.' The bill created the Office of Just Transition within the CO Department of Labor & Employment.
Summary
The principle of Just Transition is that workers or community members who lose their jobs in the transition to a cleaner energy economy are fairly compensated and supported, rather than simply left behind. HB 19-1314 creates a Just Transition Office and a Just Transition Advisory Committee. The advisory committee is tasked with developing a just transition plan, and the director of the office will submit a plan to the governor and general assembly regarding the following:
- Benefits to be given to coal transition workers to enable them to support themselves and their families and to access and complete education and training, resulting in being hired for high-quality jobs;
- Grants to be awarded to eligible entities in coal transition communities that seek to create a more diversified, equitable, and vibrant economic future for those communities; and
- Sources of funding.
The Just Transition Advisory Committee is scheduled for repeal in 2025, subject to sunset review.