HB 1280 to Require Energy Efficient Buildings Passes House by 51 to 44

Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) introduced HB 1280 to maximize energy efficiency in buildings, to save taxpayers money and to make the state more energy independent. Debate on third reading at the microphone at 5:30 pm as it approached the dinner hour for most Hoosiers was limited. After Rep. Pierce briefly explained the bill, Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) and Rep. William Friend (R-Macy) spoke against the bill stating that Indiana hardwood lumber would be harmed by HB 1280. Rep. Pierce responded to their opposition by pointing out that the bill allowed both LEEDS and Green Globes as an option for building construction. Rep. Pierce explained that using locally available materials such as Indiana hardwood lumber would accumulate points under the system.

DIGEST OF HB 1280 ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS. Requires a building or structure constructed, reconstructed, repaired, altered, or retrofitted under certain public works contracts entered into after December 31, 2008, to be designed with the goal of achieving the silver rating under the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, the Green Globes Two Globes level, or an equivalent standard under an equivalent rating system that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. Provides that the certification requirement does not apply to a public works contract entered into by a school corporation. Provides that for state agency purchases, there is a 5% price preference for certain office equipment that is compliant with the United States Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star ratings. Allows the Indiana economic development corporation to adopt rules allowing the corporation to give priority to economic development projects that meet or surpass the standards of the leadership in energy and environmental design ratings systems developed by the U.S. Green Building Council or the Green Building Initiative.

Rep. Pierce will be speaking at the Indiana Building Green Symposium 2008
January 31 - February 01, 2008 - Indianapolis, Indiana.
See www.indianabuildinggreen.org.

See how your state legislator voted on HB 1280 at
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2008/PDF/Hrollcal/0147.PDF.pdf