SB 5647-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/12/01)

     Finds that:  (1) The economy of the state and the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens are threatened by the current energy supply and price instabilities;

     (2) Many energy efficiency programs for public buildings launched during the 1970s and 1980s were not maintained during the subsequent sustained period of low energy costs and abundant supply; and

     (3) Conservation programs originally established in the 1970s and 1980s can be improved or updated.  New programs drawing on recently developed technologies, including demand-side energy management systems, can materially increase the efficiency of energy use by the public sector.

     Declares it is the policy of the state that:  (1) State government is committed to achieving significant gains in energy efficiency.  Conventional conservation programs will be reviewed and updated in light of experience gained since their commencement;

     (2) State government must play a leading role in demonstrating updated and new energy efficiency technologies.  New programs or measures made possible by technological advances, such as demand-side response measures and energy management systems, shall be treated in the same manner as conventional conservation programs and will be integrated into the state's energy efficiency programs.