Oil and Gas Well Capping Pilot Initiative

The Oil and Gas Well Capping Pilot Initiative is a grant program administered by the California Workforce Development Board in collaboration with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and the California Geologic Energy Management Division of the Department of Conservation. This initiative aims to provide funding of up to $7,555,327 to support on-the-job training for oil well capping in Kern and Los Angeles Counties. The program is designed to enhance apprenticeship programs by developing curricula that will train apprentices and upskill journeypersons for well-capping projects in these regions. The primary purpose of this initiative is to facilitate the training of individuals in the oil well capping process, which is essential for ensuring the safe closure of abandoned oil wells. The objectives include creating a skilled workforce capable of performing well-capping tasks and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. The grant will support projects that not only focus on training but also on community engagement and regulatory compliance. Funding from this initiative will be allocated to apprenticeship programs that develop training curricula for well-capping projects. The grant period is set from April 29, 2025, to March 31, 2027. The funding will cover various aspects of the training program, including the development of health and safety plans, environmental compliance documentation, and the necessary pre-work activities as outlined by CalGEM. Eligible applicants for this grant include county governments in Kern and Los Angeles Counties. The initiative prioritizes organizations that have previously participated in or are currently part of a High Road Training Partnership. Applicants must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and qualified to perform public work as per Labor Code requirements. Compliance with prevailing wage laws and job site notice regulations is mandatory for all grantees. Submission requirements for the grant include a detailed work plan that adheres to the format prescribed by CalGEM, as well as participation in community engagement meetings to inform local residents about the anticipated work. Grantees will also need to provide certified copies of payroll records for inspection by the awarding body and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. The evaluation criteria for applications will focus on the applicant's ability to meet compliance requirements, the quality of the proposed training program, and the effectiveness of community engagement strategies. The timeline for this grant initiative indicates that the application deadline is set for October 7, 2024, with the next cycle anticipated in Spring 2025. For more information about the Oil and Gas Well Capping Pilot Initiative, interested parties can visit the California Workforce Development Board's website. The contact number for inquiries is 916-657-1440.