SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Climate change is a proven threat to the safety and well-being of Californians. The State of California has prioritized and mandated a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2035 pursuant to Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and by doing so, created a need for trained workforce to fill positions within this advancing economy, as declared in Part 8.5 (commencing with Section 15550) of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(b) In California, the operating definition of “green job” is outdated and not reflective of current industry capability, aptitude, and ambition. In moving our economy toward a greener future, we must use up-to-date data to inform California’s workforce in achieving the goals set forth in Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code.
(c) Governor Gavin Newsom and the Legislature’s climate commitment estimates that 4,000,000 new green jobs will be created statewide, budgeting an investment of $315,000,000 to provide training and education for these green workers.
(d) Many green jobs are high-road jobs that typically have better pay and benefits, while offering upward career mobility and safe workplaces. As research shows that occupational segregation is a significant factor in the pay gap, providing pathways for all underrepresented populations into good green jobs will contribute to advancing pay equity overall.
(e) California’s 45 local workforce development boards provide vital training and outreach services for the advancement of California’s workforce.