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Committee adopts labor‑focused amendment to gas thermal energy network pilot and refers bill to Ways and Means
Summary
Senate Bill 1143, which directs the PUC to establish a pilot for utility‑scale thermal energy networks, had a dash‑3 amendment added to include labor requirements; the committee adopted the amendment, moved the bill with a due‑pass recommendation and referred it to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means by prior reference.
The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment adopted the dash‑3 amendment to Senate Bill 1143 on April 7 and voted to refer the bill, as amended, to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means by prior reference.
Senate Bill 1143 directs the Public Utility Commission to establish a pilot program allowing natural gas companies to develop utility‑scale thermal energy network pilot projects that would provide heating and cooling services to customers. The dash‑3 amendment adds labor requirements for pilot projects, including percentages of journey‑workers on projects, participation as a training agent in a registered apprenticeship program, wage requirements and reporting provisions. A fiscal statement was filed and the amendment was reported to have no revenue impact.
Vice Chair Brock Smith moved the dash‑3 amendment. Senator Robinson recorded a no on the amendment; the motion carried. Vice Chair Brock Smith then moved Senate Bill 1143 as amended to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation and that the bill be referred to joint ways and means by prior reference. Senator Golden spoke in support and described the pilot as a potential “home run” for the transition to clean energy. A roll call recorded at least Senators Golden and Feing as aye; committee leadership announced the motion carried.
No final program rules were adopted in committee; the action sends the amended bill to Ways and Means for budgetary consideration and potential further changes. The committee closed the work session on SB 1143 after the referral vote.
