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Pueblo County backs union labor standards in PUC proceeding, cites SB23-292 requirements
Summary
The BOCC approved a resolution supporting testimony asking the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to apply union labor standards to power purchase agreements and self-build projects; the resolution cites Senate Bill 23-292 and the county emphasized local job and apprenticeship opportunities.
Pueblo County commissioners voted April 16 to approve a resolution partially supporting testimony prepared by Jose Soto on behalf of Laborers Local 720 and urging the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to require that utility construction funded through power purchase agreements and similar agreements meet high union labor and apprenticeship standards.
County staff told commissioners the resolution specifically supports asking the PUC to apply union labor standards and Colorado’s apprenticeship/utilization and prevailing-wage requirements — as established by Senate Bill 23-292 — to public-works energy projects, including projects that replace the Comanche 3 plant. Staff noted the board’s resolution does not adopt all of Mr. Soto’s testimony word-for-word but supports the elements about labor standards.
Jose Soto thanked the board for the resolution and the county’s support of union apprenticeship programs, which he said help local workers access family-supporting construction jobs. Commissioners and Mr. Soto discussed inserting the phrase “utility-scale” in one sentence for clarity; staff offered to review edits with Mr. Soto after the meeting.
The board voted to adopt the resolution and encouraged public participation in the PUC proceeding. Commissioners emphasized that local residents should be considered for construction jobs on large energy projects and that apprenticeship programs provide a pathway for local youth into the trades.
