Renewable energy transition grant program

(a) In general The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall establish a grant program for local governments for the purpose of developing a plan to transition workers from employment in fossil fuel industries to employment in sustainable industries. (b) Eligibility The Secretary of Labor may award grants under subsection (a) to a local or Tribal government that— (1) establishes industry or sector partnerships (as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102)); (2) is in a locality that the Secretary of Energy determines to have a percentage of traditional energy sector jobs that is average or above average relative to the United States; and (3) certifies that such local or Tribal government will develop the transition plan described in subsection (a) in consultation with relevant State and other experts, including experts in energy labor, green economy policies, and energy policy, and with relevant State officials, if applicable. (c) Determination of percentage of traditional energy sector jobs In making the determination under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary of Labor shall take into consideration information from the report entitled U.S. Energy and Employment Report issued by the Secretary in January, 2017. (d) Use of funds Funds under subsection (a) may be used for the following purposes: (1) To develop a transition plan described in subsection (a). (2) To support an existing apprenticeship program for apprenticeable occupation or, if in a non-traditional industry, to develop an apprenticeship program. (3) To train individuals who are new to the workforce for jobs in sustainable industries, including but not limited to, manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, renewable energy, CERCLA remediation, and may include a partnership or agreements with employers to provide jobs for trainees. (e) Transition plan requirements A transition plan funded under subsection (a)— (1) shall include assistance for accessing all existing applicable Federal and State aid for displaced workers, including unemployment insurance, job transition training, and community services for the affected community as well as trade adjustment assistance and other programs, if applicable; and (2) may also include assistance to supplement existing Federal and State aid, including funds for bridges to retirement for older workers, wage insurance for workers who find employment in lower wage jobs, and funding for significant career change training for workers who wish to change careers, including case management and career path counseling. (f) Authorization There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this section.