HF 1054

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 01/30/2023 02:05pm

A bill for an act
relating to capital investment; appropriating money for a facility to provide career
and technical education and job training in renewable energy, energy efficiency,
energy storage, electric vehicles, and grid technologies.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin NORTHGATE DEVELOPMENT; APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin (a) $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the
commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to Northgate
Development, LLC, for: (1) building and site improvements, including renovation of building
interior space, and for purchase of equipment and materials for training purposes at the
current site of the Regional Apprenticeship Training Center in Minneapolis; and (2) planning
activities necessary to evaluate the development of a new facility on a site in Minneapolis
currently owned by Northgate Development, LLC, or its wholly-owned subsidiary, to provide
renewable energy skills training.
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new text begin (b) For the purposes of this section, "renewable energy skills training" means the design,
construction, or maintenance of:
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new text begin (1) systems producing renewable energy from solar or wind;
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new text begin (2) systems that improve energy efficiency as defined in section 216B.2402, subdivision
7;
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new text begin (3) energy storage, with battery technology, that is integrated with renewable energy
systems;
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new text begin (4) infrastructure for charging all-electric or electric-hybrid vehicles; and
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new text begin (5) grid technologies that manage load and provide services to the distribution grid in a
manner that reduces usage or shifts demand to off-peak periods.
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new text begin (c) The new facility operated by Northgate Development must provide targeted outreach
for training in underserved communities and be accessible by public transit for communities
of color and individuals with low incomes. The commissioner of employment and economic
development shall make a good faith reasonable effort to ensure this appropriation is used
to:
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new text begin (1) create pathways for students and young adults to postsecondary degrees in related
field and industry certifications for quality jobs with living wages;
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new text begin (2) recognize the rights of workers to organize for collective bargaining; and
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new text begin (3) help all Minnesotans share the benefits of clean and renewable energy and be provided
with opportunities to participate in the clean energy workforce, with special attention on
communities of color, Indigenous people, and individuals with low incomes.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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