FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 2506

C 308 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Creating a joint task force on green building.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Romero, Linville, Fisher, Jarrett, Cody, Dickerson, Veloria, Barlean, Simpson, Rockefeller, Dunshee, Hunt, Cairnes, Schmidt, Edwards, Upthegrove, Miloscia, Anderson and Wood).

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water

Background:

"Green building" is a term currently used for programs that promote environmental conservation and sustainable development.  The concept of green building incorporates development standards and building construction processes that promote resource conservation (including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation features), consider environmental impacts and waste minimization, create a healthy and comfortable environment, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and address issues such as historical preservation, access to public transportation, and other community infrastructure systems. 

Green building initiatives have been developed by various federal and state agencies, and green building programs have been established by local governments throughout the United States.  Some Washington local governments and builders, including Kitsap County, Clark County, and the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, have implemented green building programs.

Summary:

A task force on green building is created. The task force includes the following 10 members:  two members of the House of Representatives; two members of the Senate; a representative of the Office of Community Development; and one representative each for cities, counties, the residential building industry, the commercial building industry, and environmental organizations.  The task force chair is authorized to appoint experts and advisors as nonvoting members.

The task force is required to complete a thorough study of cities and counties that offer green building programs and low‑impact development codes to:

$determine program components that are effective and ineffective;

$determine incentives and disincentives to implementing a program;

$study various existing green building standards; and

$identify potential for low‑impact development to reduce storm water management, road building, and other infrastructure costs.

The task force study must begin its study within 30 days of adjournment of the 2002 regular session. The task force is required to submit a final report, including findings and legislative recommendations, to the Legislature by January 1, 2003.  The task force provisions expire March 30, 2003.

Votes on Final Passage:

House6829

Senate480

Effective:  June 13, 2002