OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 1068 (File 309, as amended by Senate “B”)*

AN ACT CONCERNING GREEN JOBS.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to apply for federal economic stimulus funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and use the funds to establish a program to create green jobs and promote green energy and conservation. The program must (1) target investments in renewable energy research, development, and deployment; (2) promote the use of renewable energy in state buildings, nonprofits, and educational institutions; and (3) include components that emphasize the use of the state's existing industries and examine the viability of other renewable industries. The program terminates once the stimulus funds are depleted.

DECD must report by October 1, 2009 to the Commerce Committee on the status of its funding application and, if established, the program's implementation.

*Senate Amendment “B” (1) requires DECD to establish the program by using federal stimulus funds alone, rather than within available appropriations and stimulus funds; (2) terminates the program when the stimulus funds are depleted; and (3) makes a minor change regarding the reporting requirement.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

COMMITTEE ACTION

Commerce Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute

Energy and Technology Committee

Joint Favorable