State legislatures pass energy-efficiency legislation.(insession)(Brief article)

The federal and state governments are addressing energy use as a result of rising concerns over climate change and higher fuel prices. States have become increasingly more active in adopting energy-efficiency measures, as state legislatures across the country work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while boosting the economy.

Commercial, residential and industrial buildings consume almost 50 percent of the total energy used in the country. State legislatures are expected to target new construction to change the performance of buildings, while building codes and educational programs are being used to encourage both commercial and residential developers and contractors to build more energy-efficient buildings. For instance, this spring, Minnesota introduced one of the most energy-efficient residential codes in the United States.

Several states, including California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Washington, have enacted laws in the last year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Washington has set target dates to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and eventually to 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

Alabama is considering legislation requiring the Building Commission to adopt the 2006 International Energy Conservation code (IECC) as a minimum requirement for the design of all new construction and renovations to commercial buildings in the state.

Many states are considering tax incentives to encourage commercial real estate professionals to make energy-efficient improvements. For example, Connecticut is contemplating property tax exemptions for certain energy saving systems, and for buildings using energy saving heating and cooling systems.

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