CA SB322

Establishes the Zero-Emission Vehicle Battery Manufacturing Block Grants Program to be administered by the California Energy Commission for battery production capacity development and improvement.

Requires grant applicants to submit environmental safety plans covering material handling, employee chemical exposure testing, and regular testing of air, water, and soil at facilities.

Mandates workforce plans including commitments to hire 30 percent employees with employment barriers, offer apprenticeships or continuing education, and pay living wages (at least 167 percent of state minimum wage).

Applicants with five or more employees must attest to labor peace agreements with unions or commit to entering into such agreements if unions seek representation.

Applications scored on 100-point scale covering wage standards, employee training, workplace safety, legal compliance, and worker voice mechanisms, with minimum 80-point score required for subsidy eligibility.