SB 25-181

Senate Bill 25-181 extends the Just Transition Advisory Committee's existence until September 1, 2030. The committee helps advise on how to support workers and communities affected by coal industry job losses or facility closures, aiming to ensure economic stability during the transition away from coal as a major economic driver. It also increases the number of coal workers on the committee and mandates regular updates to the just transition plan by the Department of Labor and Employment. Since the bill has been signed into law, its provisions are now in effect.

Official Summary

The act continues the just transition advisory committee (advisory committee) until September 1, 2030. Prior to its repeal, the department of regulatory agencies will conduct a sunset review of the advisory committee. The act requires the just transition office in the department of labor and employment (office) to consult with the advisory committee on issues related to the impact of facility closures and job layoffs in coal-related industries in a manner that best ensures continued economic stability and prosperity for impacted workers and communities during and after the transition away from coal as an economic driver. The office is also directed to develop and implement plans to maximize the economic stability and prosperity of coal workers and communities. When the general assembly created the advisory committee in 2019, the advisory committee was required to develop a draft just transition plan (plan) before July 1, 2020. The act repeals obsolete references to the development of the plan and requires the director of the office to update the plan as needed. The act increases the number of coal transition workers appointed to the advisory committee from 3 to 5 and requires that at least one advisory committee member works at a coal mine and at least one member works at an electric utility. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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