Senator Bill Lieske (R-Lonsdale) today voiced his strong opposition to a bill that would impose new regulations on skilled contractors working at petroleum refineries in Minnesota.
“This bill is well-intended, but will have consequences that Democrats are not anticipating,” Lieske (R-Lonsdale) said. “There are a lot of folks in my district who work at these refineries, and they are worried. The regulations in this bill will lead to job losses, refinery closures, and increased energy prices for residents in south-central Minnesota communities like Farmington and Rosemount.”
BILL DETAILS
Senate File 10 would require refinery contractors and subcontractors to all be registered apprentices; a graduate of a registered apprenticeship program; complete all requirements to graduate from such a program; or have at least five years of experience and is in an apprenticeship program.
The percentage of a refinery’s contracted workforce that must meet these criteria increases over a three-year period according to the following schedule:
- 30 percent by 1/1/24.
- 45 percent by 1/1/25.
- 60 percent by 1/1/26.
The requirement applies only when the contractor or subcontractor is performing work at the site of the refinery.
Refineries are subject to fines that range from a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $10,000 for each violation. Each shift on which a violation occurs is considered a separate violation. In addition, this bill creates a civil right of action to any person who is injured by a violation.