The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Monday amended and reported out House Bill 34 (Harper-R-Montgomery) requiring the design, construction and renovation of certain state-owned or state-leased buildings comply with energy and high-performance building standards.

"This bill is a simple matter of responsible government and following the lead of our constituents," said Rep. Ron Miller, Majority Chair. "Many of them are upgrading their homes to increase energy efficiency, which results in their saving money on heating and cooling costs."

"Investing in high-performance construction now will save the taxpayers money in the long run," Rep. Harper said. "The government facilities we build today will be here for decades to come, and we have a responsibility to design them for long-term efficiency and performance."

House Bill 34 would require--

-- A state owned building project larger than 20,000 gross square feet

-- A new building project larger than 20,000 gross square feet in which a Commonwealth agency has agreed to lease no fewer than 90 percent of the gross square feet.

-- A renovation of a state-owned or leased building that is larger than 20,000 gross square feet and at least 90 percent of the total square footage of the building.

"We currently have nothing in statute requiring environmental and energy efficiency standards in the design, construction, and renovation of state buildings, a policy which must change," added Rep. Miller.

Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves as Minority Chair of the Committee.

2/11/2013