Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Agriculture & Ecology Committee

HB 2506

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

Sponsors:  Representatives Romero, Linville, Fisher, Jarrett, Cody, Dickerson, Veloria, Barlean, Simpson, Rockefeller, Dunshee, Hunt, Cairnes, Schmidt, Edwards, Upthegrove, Miloscia, Anderson and Wood.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Creates a nine‑member task force on green building codes and standards.

$Requires task force to review green building standards in local government codes to determine effectiveness of standards and current system and identify potential for costs savings through low‑impact development.

Hearing Date:  1/31/02

Staff:  Caroleen Dineen (786‑7156).

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 local governments and builders in Washington have implemented green building concepts. For example, Kitsap County has a "Build a Better Kitsap Program" that establishes "Code Plus" standards to improve a building's performance and provide economic and environmental benefits.  Clark County also has a "Build a Better" program.  In addition, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties has a "Built Green" program designed to provide homeowners with comfortable, durable, environmentally friendly homes.

Summary of Bill:

A task force on green building is created. The task force includes the following nine members:  two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker; two members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Majority Leader; a representative of the Office of Community Development; and one representative each for cities, counties, the building industry, and the environment.  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 creating a program;

$study 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 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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.