Labor and Public Employees Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-999
AN ACT CONCERNING A JUST TRANSITION TO CLIMATE-PROTECTIVE
Title: ENERGY PRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY INVESTMENT.
Vote Date: 3/23/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/11/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Labor and Public Employees Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
The climate crisis will cause a significant amount of destruction to human life and property if
not addressed in a timely manner, and most of its negative effects have disproportionately
burdened disadvantaged communities.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None submitted.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Many speakers testified on the need for robust job creation programs in the wake of the
pandemic and the urgency of the climate crisis. Noting that these issues can effectively solve
each other with state action and can be structured in such a way as to address previous
wrongdoings by elevating previously disadvantaged communities in these newly created
economic opportunities.
Mark Albertson
Katherine Allison
Catherine Bradley
Holly Burrows
Kelly Caesar
Anthony Cherolis
Sean Corvino
Jan Cunningham
 Kathy Davis
Eugene DeJoannis
Philip Dooley
Carol Duffy
Beverly Dunn
Elizabeth Eldridge
enviroeducator@gmail.com
Elias Estabrook
Drew Felter
Joelle Fishman
Kenny Foscue
Sarah Ganong
Rachel Girshick
Cate Grady-Benson
Rosemarie Greco
Lois Happe
Carlyn Harris
Jennifer Healy
Lisette Henrey
Nyree Hodges
Janet Hooper
Susan James
Sneha Jayaraj
Lynn Johnson
Adelheid Koepfer
Sam Levine
Joseph Lewerk
Katherine Mamed
Taylor Mayes
Matthew McCarthy
Shirley McCarthy
Jason Morris
Shawn O'Sullivan
Sandra Olsen
Carole Osborn
Sharad Pant
Sarah Pemberton Strong
Earl Retherford I
Eli Roche
Mustafa Salahuddin
Sharon Samoska
Mary Sanders
Geremy Schulick
Chris Schweitzer
John Stewart
Kimberly Stoner
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 Lindsay Suter
Paul Swanke
Annette Tchelka
Rachel Thomas
Lisa Tryon
Anna Word
Elizabeth Yetman
Several speakers testified to how well Connecticut has done in beginning its transition to
sustainable energy production and workforce development. Local 777 is an industry leader in
renewable energy, they've built every power generation facility in Connecticut while providing
fair and equitable opportunities to their workers and local residents. The bill ensures the state
will see a return on its investment.
Anthony Camillucci, Local 777 Plumbers and Pipefitters of CT
Michael Larson, Local 777 Plumbers and Pipefitters of CT
Jay More, Local 777 Plumbers and Pipefitters of CT
STEPHEN ANDERSON, PRESIDENT, CSEA SEIU LOCAL 2001
Stephen testified to the economic benefits the bill would provide to the state such as more
employment opportunities offered at good pay. He addressed the urgency of creating climate
friendly infrastructure, as this bill does, and that the bill creates an in-state clean technology
workforce.
JOSHUA ANGELUS, WATERBURY
Joshua testified to the needs of the moment being job creation and a change in our energy
production systems. Joshua also spoke to difficulties presented by certain charges on utility
bills and claimed that utility bills should be fairly based on usage. He asked the committee to
instruct PURA to cut the monthly customer service charge by at least ten dollars.
LYNNE BONNETT, NEW HAVEN
Lynne testified in support of the bill's promotion of equitable economic development and
environmental justice. Noting that creating new job opportunities for urban populations, which
offer a living wage, also helps to create a more sustainable tax base within those urban
communities. Thereby allowing those municipalities to better meet the needs of their
communities.
KEITH BROTHERS, SECRETARY TREASURER, CT STATE BUILDING TRADES
Keith testified that the CT Building Trades is suffering from 30% unemployment, which he
attributes mostly to a lack of state and federal infrastructure projects. The bill would help by
creating jobs, some of which would require Connecticut workers.
NATE BROWN, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, LOCAL 478 OPERATING
ENGINEERS
Nate testified that Connecticut is doing well so far in its transition to renewable energy and
that the trend will likely continue, increasing demand for skilled workers. However, while
previous policies have helped to begin Connecticut's transition to sustainable energy, they
haven't done much to create that skilled workforce. This bill helps to foster the creation of the
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skilled workforce which will be required to transition to sustainable energy in a fair and
inclusive manner.
JILL CAPOTOSTO, NEW HAVEN
Jill testified to her sense of dread when contemplating her future and the future of this planet.
Governments are not doing enough to curb the devastating effects of the climate crisis.
These effects disproportionately damage vulnerable communities. The bill offers hope and is
an important step in preparing our state and communities for the effects of climate change.
CAMERON CHAMPLIN, PLUMBERS AND PIPEFITTERS LOCAL 777
Cameron testified that the bill requires entities which are approved to construct renewable
energy projects subsidized by the state to provide comfortable wages and benefits to their
workers, which in turn stimulates their local economies and small businesses. The bill also
requires employers to offer a certified state apprenticeship program, which ensures them a
positive career in the future. Those with Project Labor Agreements also ensure that local and
distressed communities are included in the projects.
QUEENIE COLLINS, GLASTONBURY
Queenie testified that the transition to renewable energy requires a skilled workforce and the
state should support its development. Creating good jobs for a green economy would
increase support for further measures addressing climate change in the future.
CONNECTICUT ROUNDTABLE ON CLIMATE AND JOBS
The Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs testified on how the bill would address
interrelated issues regarding the state's economy, job creation, and climate change. They
spoke to the need for both job creation in the wake of the pandemic and the development of a
clean technology workforce.
AUGUST CORETTO, WINDSOR
August testified to the anxiety they feel about their future and the future of society. Only
drastic action can help stop climate change, and it can be done in an equitable way that
creates good jobs. This bill is an important first step towards that.
SEAN DALY, BUSINESS MANAGER, IBEW LOCAL 90
Sean testified that the bill would ensure that local workers are hired to work on these
important climate fighting energy projects. It will keep public money in Connecticut's
economy, and reduce the high unemployment in the building trades.
DWAYNE DAVID PAUL, DIRECTOR, COLLABORATIVE CENTER FOR JUSTICE
The center, a religious organization, testified on the duty to care for creation and to improve
the lives of marginalized communities. They urged the committee to keep provisions which
prioritize disadvantaged communities in workforce development.
AZIZ DEHKAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONNECTICUT ROUNDTABLE ON CLIMATE
AND JOBS
Aziz testified on the various interests which support the bill including labor interests,
environmental interests, social justice interests, conservative interests, and industry interests.
The testimony includes additional information on the indirect benefits for elected officials, the
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costs associated with solar energy production, and general comments on potential outcomes
resulting from, and topics related to, the bill.
SAMANTHA DYNOWSKI, STATE DIRECTOR, SIERRA CLUB CONNECTICUT
Samantha testified to the scientific consensus on climate change which requires a dramatic
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to curb its most severe effects. The Sierra Club
supports achieving the economic goals of this legislation through a prevailing wage, project
labor agreements, and workforce development for future clean energy jobs.
TIMOTHY GABRIELE, NORTH HAVEN
Timothy testified to the importance of investing in the future of our climate to protect our
natural resources, people, and economy. This bill addresses all three simultaneously and
incentivizes a well trained and equitable renewable energy workforce.
SARAH GANONG, CAMPAIGNS DIRECTOR, CONNECTICUT WORKING FAMILIES
Sarah testified that the health and well-being of working people is tied to their jobs,
communities, and environment. This bill benefits all of these areas by equitably providing
good clean energy jobs to historically disadvantaged communities.
KIMBERLY GLASSMAN, DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION FOR FAIR CONTRACTING OF
CONNECTICUT, INC.
The Foundation submitted testimony stating the importance of transitioning to more efficient
and environmentally conscious energy procurement systems. They praised the commitment
to workforce development for underserved communities in this bill and previous pieces of
legislation.
RENEE HAMEL, FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, COUNCIL 4 AFSCME
Renee testified that the bill ensure that communities most effected by climate change are a
part of the solution. The climate crisis presents three urgent needs - the need to justly
transition workers, the need to minimize harm to communities disproportionately affected by
climate, economic, and racial inequality, and the need to equitably create jobs and economic
growth in the wake of the pandemic.
MICHAEL HARRIS, MIDDLETOWN
Michael testified to the urgency of the climate crisis and how it would require a massive shift
in our energy systems. Not only would the bill address these issues, but it would also
strengthen Connecticut's economy.
JOHN HARRITY, CHAIR, CONNECTICUT ROUNDTABLE ON CLIMATE AND JOBS
John testified that the bill addresses the core of what will be needed as climate change
disrupts many aspects of society. At this point we're faced with a question - whether
renewable energy jobs will become the new path into the middle class.
ELISABETH HOLDER, MIDDLETOWN
Elisabeth testified, as a retired Earth Science teacher, to her alarm at insufficient solutions to
the climate crisis and how they will affect the environment, public infrastructure, and budgets.
The climate crisis is reaching a tipping point at the same time we're facing an economic
depression as a result of the pandemic. Both of these issues are addressed by this bill.
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WILLIAM MORIARTY, BUSINESS MANAGER & FINANCIAL SECRETARY, IBEW LOCAL
35
William testified that IBEW workers undergo rigorous training, are highly skilled, and have
built many public buildings across the state. Connecticut's electricians have helped to achieve
the lowest workplace death rate in America.
JENNIFER KLEINDIENST, MIDDLETOWN
Jennifer testified to the bill's ability to reframe the climate debate from climate versus jobs to
climate and jobs. The bill would help to solve the climate crisis and the economic crisis by
helping to develop a clean energy workforce in disadvantaged communities.
ELUNED LI, NEW HAVEN
Eluned testified on how the bill addresses both climate and poverty crises by supporting the
development of a clean technology workforce. The bill would help to train disadvantaged
residents for careers in clean technology, and thereby strengthening Connecticut's economy.
HENRY LOWENDORF, NEW HAVEN
Henry testified to the multiple compounding crises of our time including the pandemic, the
climate crisis, endless wars and subsequent forced migrations, and increasing wealth and
income disparities. Henry suggested that all these issues may play a role in solving each
other, and that this bill addresses two of them.
SAL LUCIANO, PRESIDENT, CONNECTICUT AFL-CIO
Sal testified that the bill addresses environmental, labor, and community needs by including
several key labor protections targeted at aiding disadvantaged communities. Responsible
contractor provisions ensure that contracted firms are reputable and qualified to complete the
necessary work in addressing climate change.
SUSAN MILLER, CHAIR, WINDSOR CLIMATE ACTION
Susan testified to two crises that we currently face an economic crisis as a result of the
pandemic, and the climate crisis. Susan stressed that both crises demand action. This bill
addresses both crises while creating careers for those who need them most.
NATIONAL ELECTICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION & IBEW LOCALS 488, 90, & 35
NECA and IBEW testified that they represent the "community investment" portion of the bill.
They testified to their robust training and apprenticeship programs, and that their workers are
among the highest skilled and safest in the nation. They stressed that their workers are
residents of the state and would therefore keep state money spent on these projects in
Connecticut.
ALLISON PILCHER, BRIDGEPORT
Allison testified that the bill addresses three ongoing crises climate change, inequality, and
an economic recession. The bill does these things while focusing on workforce development
for disadvantaged communities. Allison stated that we will still see renewable energy
development without this bill, although likely at a slower pace, with lower wages, and out of
state workers which do not benefit the state to the same degree.
DAVID ROCHE, PRESIDENT, CONNECTICUT BUILDING TRADES
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David testified that the Connecticut Building Trades has a long and storied history in helping
to meet the energy needs of America. Their workers are trained to construct these projects
on time and on budget with fair pay and benefits. They've worked on many energy projects
throughout Connecticut in the past and are prepared to do so again.
JAMES ROOT, DANBURY
James testified to the necessity of this bill in ensuring that local communities feel the financial
benefits of future public funding directed to these renewable energy projects.
EBEN ROSS, HAMDEN
Eben testified to the importance of job creation in responding to the economic and climate
crises. This bill creates careers in-state by developing a clean technology workforce.
JOSEPH TONER, PRESIDENT, GREATER HARTFORD-NEW BRITAIN BUILDING &
CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
Joseph testified on behalf of the CSBT that they've played an important role in delivering
power to Connecticut in the past and are proud to do so in the future. The pandemic has
revealed some vulnerabilities in the industry, high unemployment and state budgetary
constraints. This bill ensures a return on investment for the state.
ROBERTA WILLIS, FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE, LAKEVILLE
Roberta testified that the bill effectively addresses both the economic impacts of the
pandemic, through job creation, and the climate crisis. The bill addresses these issues while
aiding in training people from disadvantaged communities to create a clean technology
workforce.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
CHRISTOPHER FRYXELL, PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND
CONTRACTORS CONNECTICUT
Christopher testified to ABC Connecticut's issues with the section mandating a Project Labor
Agreement (PLA) for certain parties. They said that the mandate would violate Sec. 31-56b of
the CT General Statutes, it discriminates against many of Connecticut's businesses and
workers who aren't unionized, and that the mandate would result in higher costs and fewer
projects completed. ABC Connecticut said that PLAs ultimately do not benefit the public, only
unions.
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
FuelCell submitted testimony stating that the bill would increase energy costs for
Connecticut's consumers, make Connecticut's clean energy and technology companies less
competitive, and worsen an already hostile environment towards fuel cells here in
Connecticut.
MICHAEL TRAHAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOLARCONNECTICUT
Michael testified on behalf of SolarConn that the bill would hurt small businesses and electric
ratepayers in Connecticut. The bill would raise the cost of developing small commercial
ground mount solar systems for small businesses at a time when they can bear those costs
least effectively. Small businesses would be forced to lay off clean technology workers.
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SolarConn would be glad to work with the committee on how to speed solar growth by
allowing the market to work freely.
Reported by: Mike Antonakos, Assistant Clerk Date: 4/5/2021
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Statutes affected:
File No. 779: 31-53
Public Act No. 21-43: 31-53