1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to workforce development; appropriating funds for a pilot project to train 
1.3 	youth from underserved communities for careers in the clean energy sector.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. CLEAN ENERGY CAREER TRAINING PILOT PROJECT; 
1.6 	APPROPRIATION.
 1.7 	(a) $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2022 is appropriated from the renewable development 
1.8 	account to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to 
1.9 	Northgate Development, LLC for a pilot project to provide training pathways into careers 
1.10 	in the clean energy sector for students and young adults in underserved communities. 
1.11 	Training must be provided at a location that is accessible by public transportation and must 
1.12 	prioritize the inclusion of communities of color, indigenous people, and individuals with 
1.13 	low incomes.
1.14 	(b) The pilot project must provide skills training relevant to the design, construction, 
1.15 	operation, or maintenance of:
1.16 	(1) systems producing renewable solar or wind energy;
1.17 	(2) systems resulting in improvements in energy efficiency as defined in Minnesota 
1.18 	Statutes, section 216B.241, subdivision 1;
1.19 	(3) systems of energy storage for renewable energy systems, including battery technology;
1.20 	(4) infrastructure for charging all-electric or electric hybrid vehicles; or
2.1 	(5) grid technologies that manage load and provide services to the distribution grid that 
2.2 	reduce usage or shift demand to off-peak periods.
2.3 	(c) Training must be designed to create pathways to a postsecondary degree or industry 
2.4 	certification related to the fields in paragraph (b) and then to stable career employment at 
2.5 	a living wage.
2.6 	(d) Grant funds may be used for all expenses related to the training program, including 
2.7 	curriculum, instructors, equipment, materials, and leasing and improving space for use by 
2.8 	the program.