HB 516 & SB 108: Green Jobs Training (For)
These two bills are equivalent to one another. They aim to provide Texans with the training necessary to find work in the "green economy." Affected industries would include energy efficient building, renewable energy, energy storage technologies, biofuels, waste recycling techniques, products recycling techniques, energy efficiency assessments, manufacturing of sustainable products, and water conservation and efficiency. The funds would be administered through the Texas Workforce Commission and would be put to use by local coalitions consisting of community partners and universities.

This is our best opportunity to invest in the jobs of tomorrow and make sure that leading industries choose Texas. Governor Perry’s Competitiveness Council stated that 2/3 of new energy sector jobs over the next 10 years would come from renewable energy sector. This number could increase dramatically depending on how well the Legislature anticipates new federal priorities being created by the US Congress and the Obama Administration.

Committees: HB 516 is out of committee; SB 108 is in the Economic Development committee