| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Technology, Energy & Communications Committee | |
HB 2801
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Studying the feasibility of achieving zero net energy buildings in the state.
Sponsors: Representatives Chase, Hunt and Eickmeyer.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/08
Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).
Background:
Joint Committee on Energy Supply and Energy Conservation: The Joint Committee on Energy
Supply and Energy Conservation (Committee) is a legislative committee of eight members that is
required to meet at the following times: (1) annually; (2) at the call of the chair of the committee
to receive information on the status of the state's or the region's energy supply; (3) during a
condition of energy supply alert or energy emergency; and (4) upon the call of the chair when
the Governor acts to terminate an energy supply alert or energy emergency. Any member of the
House of Representatives or Senate is eligible to be appointed to the Committee.
Energy Audits: State agencies and school districts are required to conduct preliminary energy
surveys and audits of their buildings. The Department of General Administration (Department)
tracks and reports the installation of any energy conservation measures that result from the
audits.
Municipalities may conduct aggregated energy audits and conservation measures, but are not
required to do so. Municipalities may conduct energy audits and implement cost-effective
energy conservation measures among multiple government entities. All municipalities must
report to the Department if they implemented or did not implement, during the previous
biennium, cost-effective energy conservation measures aggregated among multiple government
entities.
State Energy Code: The Washington State Building Code Council (Council) reviews and
updates the State Energy Code for residential and non-residential buildings. On July 1, 2007, the
Council adopted the 2006 edition of the State Energy Code. Unless directed by the Legislature,
federal mandates, or by a court order, the Council will not enter a formal rulemaking until 2009
as part of its consideration of the proposed 2009 State Energy Code.
Summary of Bill:
The Joint Committee on Energy Supply and Energy Conservation (Committee) is directed to
study:
(1) The estimated efficiency gains made as a result of the 2006 updates to the State Energy Code; and
(2) The feasibility of the state achieving zero net energy residential buildings by 2020, and zero net energy commercial buildings by 2030.
In conducting its review, the Committee must consider other state approaches in achieving zero
net energy buildings.
The Committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the
Legislature by December 1, 2008. The bill expires July 1, 2009.
The requirement that the Senate and House committees on energy and utilities prepare
continuing studies of the State Building Code is removed from current law.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.