SB23-292: Colorado Energy Sector Public Works Project Craft Labor Requirements Act

• Requires prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards for energy sector public works projects (power generation at 1+ megawatt, transmission, storage, and other projects costing $1 million or more) funded by state or utility customer money.

• Projects must include provisions for project labor agreements, certified payroll reporting on a weekly basis, and quarterly craft labor certifications under penalty of perjury to ensure compliance with wage and apprenticeship requirements.

• Exempts projects covered by project labor agreements, work performed by utility employees, projects meeting federal Inflation Reduction Act requirements, and certain smaller distribution and pipeline projects.

• Establishes oversight through State Auditor audits beginning January 1, 2029 to review compliance with employment and wage requirements; requires Public Utilities Commission to report annually on "best value" employment metrics.

• Applies to energy projects for which a public utility or cooperative electric association issues a bid or proposal invitation on or after January 1, 2024; appropriates $108,401 to the Department of Labor and Employment for implementation.