Establishes the Clean and Green Energy Corps

Summary of provisions

Section One states that the short title of this act shall be known as the "Clean and Green Energy Corps act"

Section Two is the definitional section.

Section Three establishes in the New York State Department of Education the Clean and Green Energy Corps

Section Four directs the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to establish within 90 days after this act becomes law rules and regulations pertaining to the Clean and Green Energy Corp.

The Commissioner shall also appoint a director who shall act as the administrative officer of the corps. The director shall employ the necessary staff and aid in developing projects that meet the requirements of this act.

The Commissioner shall enroll participants as corps members who meet the criteria under this act and employ crew leaders who meet the criteria of this act.

The Commissioner will review proposed projects and ensure that each corps member and crew leader receives the proper training.

The Commissioner shall apply for and accept grants or contributions of funds from any public or private source and execute contracts with state and local agencies desirable for the enrollment of corps members in approved projects.

The Commissioner shall purchase, rent or otherwise acquire the appropriate tools, supplies, instruments, equipment needed to complete corps member training and projects.

The Commissioner shall authorize the exchange of corps members and crew leaders with other similar service programs in order to advance the goals of volunteerism and service. Participation in exchange programs by corps members and crew leaders shall be voluntary.

The Commissioner shall develop additional program guidelines or regulations as the secretary deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.

Section Five states that the purpose of the work projects is to promote energy independence through efforts that decrease energy consumption; employ corps members in weatherization and energy efficiency projects for low-income households; accomplish meaningful and productive project improvements relating to energy efficiency and provide young adults with experience in preparation for permanent employment.

The program shall operate year-round.

Corps members and crew leaders shall engage in job training deemed appropriate by the director of the corps in consultation with the department.

The projects shall consist of residential buildings' shell improvement measures and other projects that may involve, but are not limited to, installation of attic wall insulation, air infiltration reduction, window replacement and other projects approved by the department.

Members of low-income households may apply to the corps to have a residential building considered for an energy efficiency project. The director, in consultation with the department, shall create additional standards for project selection. If the corps does not receive a sufficient number of applications, the director shall seek out additional low-income households to submit project applications for their residential buildings. All such project proposals must still conform to the standards set by the corps and department for project application and selection.

All work sites of projects shall conform to appropriate health and safety standards.

Section Six states that all corps members shall be individuals who are, at the time of admission to the program, at least 18 years of age and under 26 years of age with the following exceptions:

* An individual 16 years of age may participate if enrolled in an approved board of cooperative educational services (BOCES) program with the individual's high school.

* An individual 17 years of age may participate if the individual:

o Is enrolled in an approved BOCES program

o Has graduated from high school

o Is able to provide assurance that the applicant did not withdraw from school for the purpose of participating in the program

Eligibility of corps members shall be determined by the Commissioner who shall refer eligible participants to the department. The department shall develop standards for classifying applicants into various levels of eligibility based on the degree to which an applicant is economically disadvantaged in accordance with applicant local labor supply.

The department shall seek referrals from schools, local agencies, community-based agencies and other youth and human service organizations for the purposes of enrolling applicants in the corps. The department shall refer applicants between 18-21 years of age.

Preference in hiring shall be given to economically disadvantaged young people, especially those eligible applicants who receive general assistance or other public assistance benefits.

Section Seven states that corps members shall be enrolled in the corps for a one-year period.

Upon successful completion of the program, the corps may have the option of enrolling the participant for up to an additional two six-month terms.

The department shall refer the names of corps members who have successfully completed their service to the corps to the New York State Department of Labor for assistance in seeming private sector employment.

The department may also provide the names of corps members who have successfully completed their service to agencies or private sector employers requesting referrals after obtaining the permission of the participant.

Corps members shall not be scheduled to work more than 40 hours per week.

Section Eight states that. the corps shall employ and provide compensation for project supervisors, referred to as crew leaders.

Crew Leaders shall be assigned to oversee various projects and act as the site coordinators.

Persons eligible to be hired as crew leaders must be 18 years of age or older, not attending a postsecondary institution under full-time status at the time of employment and able to provide assurance that the applicant did not leave school for the purpose of employment with the corps.

Crew leaders shall participate in rigorous training programs to ensure the necessary level of skill and knowledge needed to supervise and lead the projects.

Section Nine states that the Commissioner is authorized to recruit, train and accept the services of individuals to assist, without compensation, in carrying out the functions of the corps.

Section Ten states that in employment practice no individual will be discriminated against due to the individual's race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, weight or non-job related handicap or disability.

No person shall receive any payment in exchange for providing a recommendation for a potential corps member.

Section Eleven states that the Commissioner shall report annually to the Temporary President of the Senate, the Senate Minority Leader, The Speaker of the Assembly and the Assembly Minority Leader on the preceding year's fiscal impact of the program.

The report shall include, but not be limited to; the number of corps members enrolled; the extent of job training provided to corps members; the completion rate for projects undertaken through the program; the progress made by corps member after completion of the program - which may include gained employment or participation in additional educational opportunities; productivity, measured by the type of project funded; the amount of money spent on and an estimated total value of completed projects; the estimated amount of money that will be saved annually due to each completed projects; and the number of projects in progress.

Existing law

New Law

Justification

Public service is a civic duty which New York should encourage and we must provide the means and the opportunity for young adults to contribute and make a meaningful impact in the community while at the same time learning valuable job skills. This legislation would create a program within the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 (with some exceptions to include younger people participating in BOCES programs) to earn a living wage and to receive highly skilled job training, which will promote energy independence through efforts that decrease energy consumption, assist in weatherization and energy efficiency projects for low-income households and accomplish meaningful and productive improvements relating to energy efficiency. Among eligible projects are shell improvement measures and other projects that may involve, but are not limited to, attic and wall insulation, air infiltration reduction, window replacement and other projects as approved by the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The Corps main mission is to provide development, training and practical work experience for young individuals in fields relating to energy efficiency and to act as preparation for permanent employment in the private sector.

The program would operate year round and corps members would be enrolled for one year with an option to extend their service. Corps members would be organized into teams led by crew leaders. Members of low-income households would be eligible to apply to the corps to be considered for an energy efficiency project. If the corps does not receive a sufficient number of applications, the director would be able to seek additional homes on which to work.

Legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

180th day after it shall have become a law.