Press Release: Colorado Office of Just Transition Launches Program Supporting Workers Facing Impacts of Coal Industry Changes

(Denver) - With coal mines and coal-fueled power plants moving toward closure throughout Colorado, the Office of Just Transition (OJT) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is launching a program to support the workers and families navigating these transitions.

Based on input from workers, OJT's program will provide free, personalized support to empower workers to plan their next steps - whether that means reskilling, starting a business, planning for retirement, or exploring new opportunities. These programs are available not only to coal mine and power plant workers and their families, but also to those employed by certain supply chain businesses directly impacted by industry changes.

Depending on eligibility, support could include:

• Training and education
• Confidential financial counseling
• Support for new and growing businesses
• Career coaching, resume building, and more

"This is an important moment reflecting Colorado's commitment to its workforce," said Wade Buchanan, Director of the Office of Just Transition. "Our goal is to partner with families to navigate this transition in a way that reflects their values, priorities, and long-term goals. We want workers to know that OJT is open for business."

OJT estimates that more than 1,700 coal and supply-chain workers will be eligible for these services statewide, with 77 percent of those concentrated in three counties in the northwest corner of Colorado (Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties). The other 23 percent are mostly in Montrose, Morgan, and Pueblo counties.

Transition Navigators are available now to help impacted workers and families in any of these communities understand their options, connect to benefits, and build a plan for the future. Early engagement can make a big difference in expanding opportunities and reducing stress during this time of change.

To learn more and connect with a Transition Navigator, please visit: cdle.colorado.gov/offices/the-office-of-just-transition/coal-transition-worker

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About the Office of Just Transition
Colorado created the Office of Just Transition within Colorado's Department of Labor and Employment in 2019 to assist workers and communities that will be adversely affected by the loss of jobs and revenues due to the closure of coal mines and coal-fired power plants. Its purpose is to help workers transition to new, high-quality jobs, help communities thrive by expanding and attracting diverse businesses, and to replace lost revenues. To learn more about the Office of Just Transition, please visit cdle.colorado.gov/offices/the-office-of-just-transition.