Requiring the hiring of apprentices for the construction of

facilities that generate electricity. A. The construction of New Mexico facilities that generate electricity for New Mexico retail customers, and that are not located on the customer side of an electricity meter, shall be subject to the requirements provided in Subsection B of this section if the facilities are built as a result of competitive solicitations issued after July 1, 2020. B. Subject to availability of qualified applicants, the construction of facilities that generate electricity for New Mexico retail customers shall employ apprentices from an apprenticeship program during the construction phase of a project at a minimum level of the following percentages of all persons employed for the project: (1) ten percent for projects for which on-site construction commences beginning January 1, 2020, and prior to January 1, 2024; (2) seventeen and one-half percent for projects for which on-site construction commences beginning January 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2026; and (3) twenty-five percent for projects for which on-site construction commences beginning January 1, 2026. C. Apprenticeship programs used for purposes of this section shall encourage diversity among participants, participation by those underrepresented in the industry associated with that apprenticeship program and participation from disadvantaged communities, as determined by the workforce solutions department. The department shall promulgate rules to ensure compliance with this section. D. As used in this section, "apprenticeship program" means an apprenticeship program registered pursuant to the Apprenticeship Assistance Act [Chapter 21, Article 19A NMSA 1978].