BILL REQ. #:  H-4109.1 

Read first time 01/16/08.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to studying the feasibility of achieving zero net energy buildings in the state; amending RCW 44.39.038; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 44.39.038 and 1977 ex.s. c 14 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((senate and house committees on energy and utilities)) committee shall ((make continuing studies of the state building code as it relates to energy consumption, conservation and retention and shall submit their recommendations concerning such to the legislature periodically)) study the following issues related to the state energy code:
     (a) The estimated efficiency gains made as a result of the 2006 updates to the state energy code; and
     (b) The feasibility of the state achieving zero net energy residential buildings by 2020 and zero net energy commercial buildings by 2030.
     (2) In conducting its review, the committee shall consider other state approaches in achieving zero net energy buildings.
     (3) The committee, where appropriate, may consult with individuals from the public and private sector or ask such individuals to establish an advisory committee. Members of such an advisory committee are not entitled to expense reimbursement.
     (4) Staff support for the study must be provided by the senate committee services and the house office of program research.
     (5) Legislative members of the committee shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 44.04.120. Nonlegislative members, except those representing an employer or organization, are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
     (6) The expenses of the study must be paid jointly by the senate and the house of representatives. Expenditures are subject to approval by the senate facilities and operations committee and the house executive rules committee, or their successor committees.
     (7) The committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2008.
     (8) This section expires July 1, 2009.