Join the Conversation: CPUC and CWDB ESJ High Road Workforce En Banc

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) are coming together to host a significant event that advances the cause of Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ). The ESJ High Road Workforce En Banc,   happening October 17, 2023, marks a milestone in the ongoing pursuit of the CPUC’s ESJ Action Plan. This event is the culmination of a collaborative effort outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two agencies, aiming to foster workforce development opportunities in critical policy areas.

“Our partnership with the California Workforce Development Board is a testament to our commitment to creating a cleaner, more equitable future for our state. The Environmental and Social Justice High Road Workforce En Banc is a pivotal event that brings together diverse stakeholders to address the pressing challenges of our time,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds.

During the En Banc, the CPUC and CWDB will facilitate conversations between various stakeholders, including the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, community-based organizations, representatives from labor unions and academia, Tribal representatives, and regulated investor-owned utilities. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of current workforce initiatives and address challenges and opportunities in key policy areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, building decarbonization, vegetation management, and transportation electrification, and water.

“The CPUC honors its commitment to supporting California’s environmental goals and recognizes the vital role that the state’s workforce plays in achieving this objective. Ensuring that workforce opportunities are created to help equalize these efforts not only aligns with the CPUC’s ESJ Action Plan and its MOU with CWDB, but also fosters job creation and ratepayer cost reductions,” said CPUC Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma.

The CPUC has authored a white paper, Advancing California’s Workforce for a Clean Energy Future, that offers insight into the state’s workforce development progress. This white paper provides context on legislative efforts, showcases localized partnerships, and serves as a valuable resource for understanding the CPUC’s and CWDB’s commitment to workforce development, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Curtis Notsinneh, Chief Deputy Director of CWDB, stated, “This En Banc represents a significant step towards a cleaner, more equitable, and sustainable future for California. By fostering collaboration between regulatory bodies, community organizations, academia, and industry stakeholders, we aim to harness the collective expertise and resources necessary to address the pressing environmental and social justice challenges of our time. Together, we can forge pathways to economic opportunity, job creation, and environmental stewardship, setting a positive example for California and the nation.”

Event Details

• When: October 17, 2023, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  What: The ESJ High Road Workforce En Banc aims to raise awareness of the critical role that the workforce plays in achieving California’s climate and energy goals. It also highlights the development of well-paying jobs and careers for underserved communities.  For more information about the En Banc and the ESJ Action plan, please visit the CPUC’s ESJ Action Plan Page.

• In-Person Location: California Endowment at the Center for Healthy Communities, Adelante Meeting Room, 1414 K St., Sacramento
• WebEx:
  • Registration Link: Join the WebEx Event
  • Webinar Number: 2485 661 2953
  • Webinar Password: 2023
  • Access Code: 248 566 12953
  • Phone: 1-800-857-1917 (toll-free), passcode: 9899501#

If special accommodations are needed to attend, such as non-English or sign language interpreters, please email public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or call 866-849-8390 a minimum of three business days in advance of the event.

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About the California Public Utilities Commission

The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.

About the California Workforce Development Board

The CWDB is the Governor’s agent for the development, oversight, and continuous improvement of California’s workforce development system. Visit the CWDB’s website for more information.