A sustainable natural resources and clean energy workforce supports Washington's communities and economies, both urban and rural, through advancing natural resources stewardship, climate resilience, and clean energy goals, while at the same time building multi­generational economic opportunities.

 

The integration of social equity in labor programs and projects instituted by Washington's localities and jurisdictions has proven successful in fostering family-wage careers for workers-in-training, residents of economically disadvantaged communities, and those underrepresented in particular industry sectors in Washington-aligning with the Department's goals regarding equity and social justice, and in growing the skilled workforce necessary for our state's continued prosperity.

 

A project labor agreement (PLA) is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project. These agreements ensure labor peace, making them an effective tool for ensuring projects are completed on time and on budget, providing a reliable sources of skilled workers, increasing diversity and equitable workforce development, and improving the health and safety of workers.

 

On August 2, 2023, Commissioner Franz Commissioner’s Order 2023-03 on Project Labor Agreements and Use of Apprenticeship Programs. This Order directs DNR to ensure that project labor agreements are in place for clean energy projects on Department-managed lands and to ensure that public works contracts awarded by the Department, that are estimated to cost $1 million or more, require no less than fifteen percent of the total labor hours to be performed by apprentices.

 

DNR lessees have successfully utilized project labor agreements in past clean energy projects and commercial leases including the Lund Hill Solar project

 

The Washington state legislature indicated its support for specific labor standards on renewable energy investments, as evidenced by the passage of Second Substitute House Bill 1988 in 2022, that allows tax deferrals for clean energy projects that comply with specific labor standards. The Washington state legislature supports apprenticeship utilization in public works contracting, as evidenced by RCW 39.04.320, which requires larger public works contracts awarded by state cabinet agencies, school districts, and higher education institutions to adhere to apprenticeship utilization requirements.