SB681 Summary

• Creates the Clean Electricity Jobs Task Force composed of 2 cochairs and 2 co-vice chairs from the legislature, heads of three state agencies, and approximately 20 appointed members representing utilities, businesses, environmental organizations, academia, workforce, local government, and other stakeholders.

• Task force shall study pathways for Arkansas to achieve a net-zero emissions electric power sector by 2050 while maximizing clean electricity job creation and identifying industry training gaps in solar, nuclear, geothermal, wind, and related sectors.

• Requires evaluation of market demand for clean electricity, costs to ratepayers, technology needs, workforce development through the Workforce Innovation and Development Act, and equity considerations for low-income and vulnerable communities.

• Task force must submit a final written report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Governor and legislature by October 1, 2022, and expires October 31, 2022.

• Legislative members receive per diem and mileage for in-person attendance; nonlegislative members may receive up to $60.00 per diem; Bureau of Legislative Research provides staff support.