HB 19-1314 Summary

• Creates a Just Transition Office within the Department of Labor and Employment to assist workers and communities impacted by coal industry closures in Colorado.

• Establishes a Just Transition Advisory Committee to develop a comprehensive state plan by July 1, 2020, addressing worker benefits, community grants, and economic diversification for coal transition communities.

• Defines "coal transition workers" as those laid off from coal mines, coal-fueled power plants, or related supply chains, and "coal transition communities" as municipalities losing 50+ jobs from coal-related industries.

• Creates the Just Transition Cash Fund to finance worker benefits (including wage differential support similar to federal Trade Adjustment Assistance), community grants, and retraining programs.

• Requires electric utilities retiring coal-fired generating units of at least 50 megawatts to submit workforce transition plans within 30 days of approval and no later than six months before retirement.