August-September 2007 State Policy Bulletin

August-September 2007

Newsletter Contents:

Guest Highlight
California Public Utilities Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich takes a look at utility efficiency measures in the Golden State.

State Updates
Legislative updates from Alaska, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

Innovative New Approach Proposed In California To Reach And Exceed Aggressive Energy Savings Goals
Dian M. Grueneich, Commissioner, California Public Utilities Commission

In California, energy efficiency is the highest priority energy resource for meeting aggressive state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is also a fundamental strategy to reduce consumer energy bills. In August, the California Public Utilities Commission proposed an unprecedented step to extend this commitment through a new approach to promoting energy savings.

As lead Commissioner on energy efficiency proceedings at the Commission, I issued a Proposed Decision that presents an innovative, new regulatory framework to drive investor-owned utilities above and beyond California’s 10-year energy savings targets. The proposal would establish a new system of incentives and penalties for achieving and exceeding the state’s energy-efficiency goals. The new “risk/reward incentive mechanism” provides incentives of sufficient level to ensure that utility investors and managers view energy efficiency as a core part of operations and capable of producing meaningful revenue.

Utilities make decisions every day on whether to dedicate personnel and resources into tapping the full potential of energy efficiency or turning to supply-side alternatives to meet those needs. The new proposal offers a way for investor-owned utilities to generate earnings for shareholders when they invest in cost-effective energy efficiency— comparable to procuring “steel-in-the-ground” supply-side resources or building new power generation facilities. At the same time, the incentive mechanism protects ratepayers’ financial investment, ensures that program savings are real and verified, and imposes penalties for substandard performance.

Under the new framework, if utility decisions produce a high level of verified savings that are cost-effective (e.g., produce more dollar savings than the programs cost), then ratepayers will pay shareholders a financial “reward” or incentive out of those net savings. If results are substandard, then financial penalties are imposed on the utilities and their shareholders. This groundbreaking approach is designed to both advance maximum energy savings and deliver an estimated return of over 100% on consumer investment in energy efficiency.

Our proposed decision establishes a “win-win” alignment of ratepayer and shareholder interests. Our utility energy- efficiency goals for 2006-2008, if met, will create an estimated $2.7 billion in net consumer benefits (resource savings minus investment costs) and enable California to avoid the equivalent of three giant (500 megawatt) power plants. Analysts estimate the cumulative energy savings associated with meeting state goals will reduce global warming pollution by an estimated 3.4 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2008, to taking about 650,000 cars off the road.

California is home to over 37 million people and the 8th largest economy in the world. As our energy needs grow to support economic prosperity and a high quality of life, so does the problem of rising greenhouse emissions through energy generation. It is my job as a Public Utilities Commissioner to find ways to meet the energy needs of consumers in a clean, cost-effective manner. Energy efficiency is our first line of defense in the struggle to reduce emissions, and this proposed decision is one new approach to help California achieve its maximum potential in energy savings.

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Alaska

Executive Order 16

• Introduced 9/14/2007
• EO16 would establish the Alaska Climate Change Sub-Cabinet to advise the Office of the Governor on the creation of an Alaska climate change strategy that, among many other measures, would examine avenues for reducing greenhouse gases including improved energy efficiency within the state.

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California

House Resolution 22

• Introduced 9/11/2007
• HR 22 designates the month of November, 2007 to be Hybrid Vehicle Awareness Month to further promote the use of hybrid vehicles.

House Bill 35

• Introduced 12/4/2007 to the House, passed with amendments by the House Committee on Natural Resources on 4/25/2007, passed with amendments by the House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007; passed by House on 6/5/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Environmental Quality on 7/17/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed by Senate on 9/11/2007, Senate version passed by house on 9/12/2007
• HB 35 would enact the Sustainable Building Act of 2007, which would require state agencies to construct new facilities and perform major renovations in accordance with LEED Gold standards.

House Bill 109

• Introduced to House on 1/5/2007, passed by House Committee on Natural Resources on 4/24/2007, passed by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed by House on 6/4/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Environmental Quality on 7/2/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007
• HB 109 would require the Governor, the State Teachers Retirement System, the State Treasurers Office, and the Public Employees Retirement System to report, beginning January 1, 2009 and annually thereafter, their investments in clean technology business including energy-efficiency technology.

House Bill 118

• Introduced to House on 1/9/2007, passed with amendments by Committee on Transportation on 4/24/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed by House on 6/5/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing with amendments on 7/16/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 9/11/2007, passed by House with Senate amendments concurred in on 9/12/2007, enrolled on 9/27/2007
• HB 118 would create the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, which would fund broad advancements in cleaner vehicle technologies including improved energy efficiency.

House Bill 199

• Introduced to House on 1/25/2007, passed by House on 5/3/2007, passed by Senate on 8/21/2007, signed by Governor on 8/24/2007
• HB 199 would require that the requirements of SB 86 take effect immediately (SB 86 requires that all buildings acquired, built, or occupied by the state after Jan. 1, 2009 meet LEED Silver construction standards.)

House Bill 201

• Introduced to House on 1/25/2007, passed House on 5/3/2007, passed Senate with amendments on 8/21/2007, signed by Governor on 8/24/2007
• HB 201 would create multiple transportation provisions aimed at reducing emissions including diesel locomotive engine retrofits and reduced engine idling for large trucks.

House Bill 236

• Introduced to House on 1/31/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Business and Professions on 3/29/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed by House on 6/5/2007, passed by Senate Committees on Transportation and Housing on 6/27/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Governmental Organization on 7/16/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed by Senate on 9/11/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/12/2007
• HB 236 would amend the Public Resources Code with new standards, some of which include purchasing "best in class" vehicles or hybrids that are substantially more fuel efficient than class averages, and a policy requiring state agencies to dispose of nonessential SUVs and four-wheel drive vehicles when cost-effective.

House Bill 527

• Introduced to House on 2/21/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Governmental Organization on 4/9/2007, passed by House Committee on Natural Resources on 4/17/2007, passed House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed by House on 6/4/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Governmental Organization on 6/26/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Natural Resources on 7/17/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed by Senate on 9/10/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/11/2007
• HB 257 would amend the Public Resources Code by creating the California Energy Efficient Technology Pooled Investment Fund in the State Treasury and also revise and improve appliance efficiency and electrical device design.

House Bill 609

• Introduced to House on 2/21/2007, passed by House Committee on Business and Professions on 4/18/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed by House on 6/5/2007, passed by the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization on 6/26/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on 7/17/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed by Senate on 9/10/2007, Senate versions passed by House on 9/11/2007
• HB 609 would modify the State Building Construction Act of 1955 such that all equipment, conservation measures, or energy services contracts would be required to provide cost savings to the state during the useful life of the equipment instead of provide cost savings each year.

House Bill 662

• Introduced to House on 2/21/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife on 4/25/2007, passed by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed by House on 6/4/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications on 7/3/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed with amendments by Senate on 9/11/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/12/2007
• HB 662 would require that appliance standards for minimum levels of operating efficiency be based on those efficiencies that will reduce the energy or water consumption growth rates, and that do not result in any added total costs over the designed life of the appliances.

House Bill 715

• Introduced to House on 2/23/2007, passed by House Committee on Housing and Community Development on 4/11/2007, passed by House Committee on Appropriations on 4/26/2007, passed by House on 5/3/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing on 6/28/2007, placed on Second Reading by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 7/10/2007, passed by Senate on 9/11/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/12/2007
• HB 715 would require that all water closets sold or installed in CA shall use no more than an average of 1.6 gallons per flush and that all urinals use no more than an average of 1 gallon per flush. In addition, the law would require that all water closets and urinals sold or installed in CA be high efficiency effective January 1, 2014. The bill would also encourage the use of no-flush urinals and also require manufacturers to sell set percentages of high-efficiency water closets and urinals of total models offered.

House Bill 785

• Introduced to the House on 2/22/2007, passed with amendments by House Committees on Business and Profession and Transportation on 4/26/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Appropriations on 5/1/2007, passed by House on 6/5/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development on 7/12/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed by Senate on 9/11/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/12/2007
• HB 785 would penalize unlicensed contractors with a minimum $2,000 fine if they fail to comply with energy-efficiency standards, modify the definition of "energy efficient vehicle" to include highly reflective vehicles, and require the State Air Resources Board and the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop a coordinated plan for how to use urban heat island mitigation measures.

House Bill 809

• Introduced to House on 2/22/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Utilities and Commerce on 4/10/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Natural Resources on 5/1/2007, passed by House Committee on Appropriations on 5/17/2007, passed by House on 5/24/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications on 6/25/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildlife on 7/16/2007, passed Senate on 9/4/2007, Senate version passed house on 9/5/2007
• HB 809 would update the definition of "eligible renewable energy resource" and allow small hydroelectric facilities to retain renewable energy eligibility if efficiency improvements at the facility cause the generating capacity of the facility to exceed 30 megawatts.

House Bill 888

• Introduced to House on 2/23/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Natural Resources on 4/17/2007, passed by House Committee on Business and Professions on 4/25/2007, passed by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed House on 6/5/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Environmental Quality on 6/25/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed Senate on 9/11/2007, Senate version passed House on 9/12/2007
• HB 888 would require new commercial buildings for which a public agency deems the application for a development project complete on or after January 1, 2013, and that are 50,000 square feet or greater, to be designed, constructed, and operated to meet the applicable standards described in the United States Green Building Council's LEED gold rating or its equivalent.

House Bill 1058

• Introduced to House on 2/23/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Natural Resources on 4/17/2007, passed by House Committee on Housing and Community Development on 4/25/2007, passed by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed by House on 6/5/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing on 6/28/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Environmental Quality on 7/16/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed by Senate on 9/11/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/12/2007
• HB 1058 would require the Department of Housing and Community Development, by July 1, 2009, to develop green building standards for residential occupancies including measures regarding energy, water, materials and resource efficiency, indoor environmental quality, innovation and design processes, nonmotorized transportation, and a method for determining life-cycle costs.

House Bill 1103

• Introduced to House on 2/23/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Natural Resources on 4/24/2007, passed by House on 5/3/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications on 6/19/2007, passed with amendments by Senate on 9/11/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/12/2007
• HB 1103 would require electric and gas utilities, beginning January 1, 2009, to maintain records of the energy consumption data of all nonresidential buildings to which they provide service in a format compatible for uploading to the US EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager).

House Bill 1109

• Introduced to House on 2/23/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Utilities and Commerce on 4/11/2007, passed by House Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials on 4/25/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed by House on 6/6/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications on 7/3/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Environmental Quality on 8/1/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed by Senate on 9/6/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/10/2007
• HB 1109 would limit the sale and manufacture of lights that contain hazardous substances and would also require the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to adopt minimum energy-efficiency standards for all general purpose lights on a schedule specified in regulations that would reduce average statewide electrical energy consumption by not less than 50% from the 2007 levels for indoor residential lighting and not less than 25% from the 2007 levels for indoor commercial and outdoor lighting by 2018.

House Bill 1470

• Introduced to House on 2/23/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Utilities and Commerce on 4/17/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Natural Resources on 5/1/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed House on 6/6/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications on 7/9/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 8/31/2007, passed by Senate 9/10/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/12/2007
• HB 1470 would establish the Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 to push for the expanded use of solar water heating systems via the creation of a pilot program, program implementation fund, and increased incentives for consumers.

House Bill 1560

• Introduced to House on 2/23/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Natural Resources on 4/25/2007, passed by House Committee on Appropriations on 4/30/2007, passed by House on 6/4/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications on 7/3/2007, passed by Committee on Appropriations on 7/17/2007, passed Senate on 9/7/2007, Senate version passed House on 9/12/2007
• HB 1560 would require the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to prescribe efficiency and conservation standards for new residential and new nonresidential buildings. The bill would also authorize the Department of Housing and Community Development to propose standards related to voluntary best practices and mandatory requirements related to environmentally preferable water use devices.

House Bill 1613

• Introduced to House on 2/23/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Natural Resources on 4/17/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Utilities and Commerce on 4/30/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Appropriations on 6/1/2007, passed House on 6/6/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications on 7/9/2007, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Appropriations on 9/4/2007, passed by Senate on 9/11/2007, Senate version passed by House on 9/12/2007.
• HB 1613 would create the Waste Heat and Carbon Emissions Reduction Act to dramatically advance the efficiency of the state's use of natural gas by capturing unused waste heat, providing more support for customer- and utility-owned combined heat and power systems, and also reducing wasteful consumption of energy through improved residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and manufacturer utilization of waste heat whenever it is cost effective, technologically feasible, and environmentally beneficial.

Senate Resolution, Concurrent 64

• Introduced to Senate on 8/1/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications on 9/5/2007, passed by Senate on 9/7/2007.
• SCR 64 is a measure declaring the need for new, more efficient electricity generation facilities to cover the growing demand for energy in CA.

Senate Bill 77

• Introduced 1/17/2007 and referred to Senate Rules Committee, passed with amendments by Senate 4/19/2007, passed with amendments by Assembly 5/24/2007, Assembly adopts conference report 7/20/2007, Senate rejects conference report 7/21/2007, Senate rejects conference report 8/1/2007, Senate adopts conference report 8/21/2007, Signed by governor with item veto 8/22/2007,
• SB 77, a budget appropriations bill, includes funding for various energy programs, and also permits the Department of General Services to recover costs associated with energy-efficiency projects over ten years through increased utility rates.

Senate Bill 82

• Introduced 1/17/2007 and referred to Senate Rules Committee, passed by Senate 4/19/2007, referred to Assembly Rules Committee 7/16/2007, passed with amendments by Assembly 7/20/2007, Senate refused to accept Assembly amendments 7/21/2007, passed by Senate 8/21/2007, signed by governor 8/24/2007
• SB 82, a budget appropriations bill, would require the Judicial Council to establish energy saving performance standards when building or acquiring judicial buildings.

Senate Bill 85

• Introduced 1/17/2007 and referred to Senate Rules Committee, passed by Senate 4/19/2007, referred to Assembly Rules Committee 7/16/2007, passed by Assembly with amendments 7/20/2007, Senate refused to accept Assembly amendments 7/21/2007, passed by Senate 8/21/2007, signed by Governor 8/24/2007
• SB 85 would require all state agencies to report to the state EPA on the progress they have made in reducing their greenhouse gas output, and would require the state Department of Water Resources to apply stronger energy- efficiency measures in its own operations.

Senate Bill 86

• Introduced 1/17/2007 and referred to Senate Rules Committee, passed by Senate 4/19/2007, referred to Assembly Rules Committee 7/16/2007, passed by Assembly with amendments 7/20/2007, Senate refused to accept Assembly amendments 7/21/2007, passed by Senate 8/21/2007, signed by Governor 8/24/2007
• SB 86 would require that all buildings acquired, built, or occupied by the state after Jan. 1, 2009 meet LEED Silver construction standards. In accordance with HB 199 (see above), this legislation is to go into effect immediately.

Senate Bill 412

• Introduced 2/21/2007 and referred to Senate Rules Committee, passed with amendments by Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications 4/24/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Appropriations 6/4/2007, passed by House Committee on Utilities and Commerce 7/3/2007, passed with amendments by House Committee on Natural Resources (8/20/2007)
• SB 412 would require utilities to meet new demand through energy-efficiency programs before acquiring other sources of electricity and also require the California Energy Commission to assess the state's ability to meet its conservation, energy-efficiency, and renewable energy goals and complete an evaluation of global energy markets. The bill also requires the completion of a Liquefied Natural Gas Market Assessment that would assess the role of natural gas use in the state, including potentials for improved energy efficiency at the utility and building levels as well as include forecasts of future energy markets taking into account energy-efficiency measures.

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Delaware

Senate Concurrent Resolution 28

• Introduced 6/30/2007 and passed by Senate, passed by House 7/1/2007
• SCR 28 calls on the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources to convene a workgroup to study how Delaware should address carbon dioxide allowances established under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, including avenues for increased energy efficiency and renewable energy use.

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District of Columbia

Council Bill 17-211 (enter B17-211 to retrieve bill)

• Introduced 5/15/2007, referred to PSCA 5/18/2007, first reading 7/10/2007, engrossed 7/10/2007
• CB 17-211 would establish minimum energy- efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed in the District.

Council Bill 17-276 (enter B17-276 to retrieve bill)

• Introduced 7/6/2007, final reading 7/10/2007, approved by Mayor 7/25/2007, will expire 10/23/2007
• CB 17-276, an emergency spending bill, would require the Public Service Commission to study and report on the current state of the District's energy markets, including market opportunities for the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

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Illinois

House Bill 1384

• Introduced 2/21/2007, passed by House 3/22/2007, passed by Senate with amendments 5/25/2007, signed by Governor 8/30/2007 to be put into effect on June 1, 2008
• HB 1384, the Agency Energy Efficiency Act, would encourage all state agencies to decrease their energy use by 10% within 10 years, implement an energy information system to track energy and water use, purchase Energy Star equipment and, for internal committees, to examine the environmental impacts of each agency's activities.

Senate Bill 1084

• Introduced 2/8/2007, assigned to Executive Committee 3/7/2007, passed by Committee 3/15/2007, amendment filed 7/25/2007, recommended for adoption 7/26/2007
• SB 1084, an appropriations bill, designates funding for the state's Energy Efficiency Trust Fund.

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Kentucky

Senate Bill 1

• Introduced 7/5/2007 and referred to Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, passed by Senate 7/9/2007
• SB 1 would enact a variety of measures to promote energy independence in the state, including energy audits, tax exemptions for energy saving products, and requirements that the Finance and Administration Cabinet employ energy saving strategies.

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Michigan

Senate Resolution 89

• Introduced and adopted by Senate 8/1/2007
• SR 89 would call upon the U.S. Congress to balance the need for higher fuel economy standards with other factors, including consumer demand.

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New Hampshire

Senate Bill 140

• Introduced 1/4/2007 and referred to Senate Energy, Environment, and Economic Development Committee, passed by Senate with amendments 4/12/2007, referred to House Science, Technology, and Energy Committee 4/18/2007, passed by House with amendments 6/7/2007, House version passed by Senate 6/13/2007, signed by Governor 7/17/2007
• SB 140 defines renewable energy facilities and establishes timeframes for their review by a Site Evaluation Committee, and would expand the mission of the Public Utilities Commission to include increased participation in regional energy activities that promote policy goals relating to fuel diversity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.

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North Carolina

House Bill 1702

• Introduced 4/18/2007 to House, passed by Committee on Energy and Energy Efficiency 5/3/2007, passed House on 5/24/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship on 7/24/2007, passed Senate on 7/25/2007, signed by Governor on 8/31/2007
• HB 1702 would enact various measures to conserve energy including the creation of a study to determine the degree of insulation necessary for hot waterlines and setting minimum energy-efficiency standards for replacement water heaters in the building code.

Senate Bill 3

• Introduced on 1/24/2007 to Senate, passed by Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources Committee on 6/26/2007, passed by Senate Finance Committee on 6/27/2007, passed Senate on 7/3/2007, passed House Committee on Energy and Energy Efficiency on 7/24/2007, passed House Committee on Public Utilities on 7/25/2007, passed by House Finance Committee on 7/28/2007, passed House on 8/2/2007, signed by Governor on 8/20/2007
• SB 3 will promote renewable energy and increased energy efficiency through the creation of a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS). The REPS will be instituted on the following schedule: 3% by 2011, 6% by 2014, 10% by 2018, and 12.5% by 2021 and thereafter. Energy-efficiency measures may be used for up to 25% of the REPS requirement but may constitute up to 40% by 2021.

Senate Bill 530

• Introduced on 3/6/2007, passed by the Senate Committee on State & Local Government on 4/25/2007, passed by the Senate on 5/14/2007, passed by House Committee on Judiciary III on 7/17/2007, passed by House Finance Committee on 7/27/2007, passed by House on 7/30/2007, Ratified by the state on 8/2/2007.
• SB 530 will exempt the City of Raleigh, NC from competitive bidding requirements for any pilot program to test the efficiency and effectiveness of Light Emitting Diode technologies.

Senate Bill 581

• Introduced 3/6/2007 to Senate, passed by Senate Committee on State & Local Government on 5/1/2007, passed Senate on 5/2/2007, passed by House Committee on Energy and Energy Efficienecy on 7/24/2007, passed by House Committee on Finance on 7/31/2007, pass by House on 8/1/2007, signed by Governor on 8/19/2007
• SB 581 will allow counties to reduce building permit fees or offer partial rebates of building permit fees for buildings that are constructed or renovated within the guidelines of LEED certification or One Globe rating for the Green Globes Green Building Initiative.

Senate Bill 668

• Introduced to Senate on 3/9/2007, passed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship on 7/18/2007, passed with amendments by Senate on 7/24/2007, passed by House Committee on Energy and Energy Efficiency on 7/27/2007, passed by House on 7/28/2007, passed by Conference Committee on 8/2/2007, signed by Governor on 8/31/2007
• Under SB 668 all major facility projects of public agencies shall be designed, constructed, and certified to at least 30% greater energy efficiency than the standard under ASHRAE 90.1-2004. For major renovations, a 20% greater energy-efficiency standard than ASHRAE 90.1-2004 shall be used. The legislation also sets improved water efficiency standards.

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Ohio

Senate Concurrent Resolution 15

• Introduced 8/30/2007. Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Public Utilities
• SCR 15 would demonstrate support from the State of Ohio legislature for the federal energy bill H.R. 2957

Senate Bill 199

• Introduced 7/5/2007
• SB 199 would create tax credits for constructing energy-efficient and environmentally responsible buildings.

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Pennsylvania

House Bill 1525

• Introduced 7/6/2007 and referred to House Local Government Committee
• HB 1525 would require municipalities to include provisions concerning energy conservation in their planning documents.

House Bill 1717

• Introduced 7/6/2007 and referred to House Appropriations Committee
• HB 1717, an appropriations bill, would designate funding for the state Energy Conservation Assistance Fund.

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Vermont

Senate Bill 209

• Introduced 7/11/2007 and passed by Senate, introduce in House Natural Resources and Energy Committee 7/11/2007
• SB 209 would expand the state's renewable portfolio standard to 25% by 2025; improve energy standards for commercial buildings; investigate the wider use of smart and net metering; authorize the state public services board to create an energy-efficiency fund; order the state Public Service Board to complete a report on a revised energy efficiency utility structure; and enact other measures related to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

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