SB 105-07: Climate Preparedness Act of 2021 (Rejected)

[Senator Spark]

I'm not sure what this is supposed to achieve, anyways if we truly want to mitigate climate change, we need all the major countries of the world to agree to Net Zero by 2050, the steps we can take here would be a total phase out of fossil fuels by 2030 (maybe this has been done already, I don't know), and also a significant hike in the carbon tax to move people away from fossil fuels, so we don't have people on December 31, 2029, rushing to switch to electric.

These grants will help train workers to prepare and respond better to natural disasters and improve coordination to save lives. A carbon tax is not a great idea as it reduces producer surplus and puts a strain on businesses.

[Senator Spark]

This bill needs some more detail for it to be implementable. What are the thresholds and limits for this hypothetical grant program? What is "entity" defined as? Is this being administered federally or devolved to the regions?

This is a federal program and entity is a state or nonprofit organization. Thresholds can be added as amendments. I will inform my colleagues whether the amendments are friendly.

I yield.

[Senator Spark]

I object.

[Senator Spark]

Offering an amendment:

Section 2. Establishment

i. Entity shall be defined as "any organization whose mission is dedicated to research and development in a respective region of the Republic of Atlasia."

1) Each entity shall establish an independent a grant program according to the entity's respective governing statutes and strategic plans or work plans adopted by the entity. The grant programs shall fund climate mitigation, adaptation, or resilience, natural disaster, and other climate emergency projects that accomplish both of the following:

a) Reduce the risks of, or mitigate, climate change impacts on vulnerable communities, fish and wildlife, or natural, cultural, historical, or tribal resources; or mitigate, prepare for, respond to, or support recovery from natural disasters or other climate emergencies.

b) Provide comprehensive workforce development opportunities, including education, training, certifications, or placement services for jobs and careers in the natural, cultural, historical, or tribal resources fields.

c) Before awarding a grant pursuant to this section, an entity shall develop and adopt guidelines for its independent grant program according to all of the following:

2) At a minimum, the entity's adopted guidelines shall include, as criteria to qualify for a grant, all of the following:

a) Require climate mitigation, adaptation, or resilience projects that reduce the risks of or mitigate climate change impacts on vulnerable communities, fish and wildlife, or natural, cultural, historical, or tribal resources; or that mitigate, prepare for, respond to, or support recovery from natural disasters or other climate emergencies.

b) Require projects that provide comprehensive workforce development opportunities that support education, training, certifications, or career pathways that prepare individuals to enter into the natural, cultural, historical, or tribal resources fields.

c) Define eligible applicants to include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

i. Nonprofit organizations and community-based organizations.

ii. Certification programs or workforce training organizations, including, but not limited to, certification programs and workforce training organizations associated with trade schools or institutions.

iii. Vocational rehabilitation programs.

Section 3. Fund establishment

a. Grant amounts should be no less than $15,000,000.

b. Grants shall be distributed by a general fund contributed to by these entities in each region.

c. Each region's legislature shall administer the grant funding to the entities requiring workforce training and climate mitigation/protection.

d. The threshold for each entity's needs shall be the discretion of the regional legislature.

[Senator Spark]

Might have been the effect of working on amendments at 3am but I think I'd appreciate a clarification from Spark about whether these entities are defined strictly as nonprofits, independent organizations, regional programs etc. that lie strictly under the purview of regional legislatures. If that is the case and federal programs are cut out then my pending amendment (regarding my earlier thoughts) will need to loop them in somehow.

An entity can be defined as any of those described. We do need to incorporate this federal funding for regional programs. Unfunded mandates are the worst thing.

[Senator Spark]

No objection to the amendment.

[Senator Spark]

Aye