Oil and Gas Well Capping Pilot Initiative

Purpose

The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), in partnership with the California Geologic Energy Management Division of Department of Conservation (CalGEM), will fund up to $7,555,327 to a previous or existing High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) to provide on-the-job training for oil well capping in Kern and Los Angeles Counties.

Description

Under the Budget Act of 2022 (AB 178), the CWDB was allocated funding to develop the Oil and Gas Well Capping Pilot initiative in Kern and Los Angeles counties. The CWDB has solicited and awarded these funds through its High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) program to include the principles of High Roadand California Jobs First. The balance of these funds will be awarded under this solicitation specifically for the purpose of training apprentices and upskilling journeypersons on well capping projects. Application Criteria Applicants and successful grantee(s) must agree to and meet the following criteria: • All projects under this initiative are subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. • Seek and obtain appointment as an agent under Public Resources Code section 3226 so they can enter the premises of wells identified as deserted by CalGEM and perform the plugging and abandonment work on behalf of the state as part of the on-the-job training program. The grantee(s) will be provided guidance on steps for pre-well work activities by CalGEM. • Once appointed as an agent, the grantee(s) will be responsible for submitting a detailed work plan in a format prescribed by CalGEM, completing any necessary environmental documents to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act, developing health and safety plans for the operation, and other pre-work activities as recommended by CalGEM before commencing well plugging and abandonment work under Public Resources Code section 3203. CalGEM will verify regulatory compliance and restoration of the site. If grantee(s) need technical assistance, CalGEM will provide assistance. • Participate in up to two (2) community engagement meetings convened by the Department of Conservation to communicate anticipated work to nearby residents. • At the time of award, grantees must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. • Grantee(s) must comply with all prevailing wage laws and post job site notices as prescribed by regulation. Copies of the prevailing rate of per diem wages are on file at the Department of Conservation’s principal office, which shall be made available to any interested party on request. • Grantee(s) must make available for inspection or furnished upon request to a representative of the awarding body and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement of the Department of Industrial Relations certified copies of all payroll records enumerated in subdivision (a) of Labor Code section 1776. CWDB will execute the grant agreement(s), administer the grant funds, and manage grantee(s) under its HRTP portfolio, adhering to all administrative requirements therein. The Department of Conservation will be the awarding body in order to register the grantee(s) project with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) once CWDB and the grantee(s) execute the grant agreement(s)