2957-S AMH WALJ H5384.1
SHB 2957 - H AMD 2109
By Representative Walsh
On page 18, at the beginning of line 9, insert "(1)"
On page 18, after line 15, insert the following:
"(2)(a) The department of commerce must adopt a rule to establish a methodology for determining emission reductions attributable to modifications to the state energy code for residential structures. The department of commerce must provide a ninety-day public comment period prior to adopting the methodology.
(b) Using the methodology adopted under (a) of this subsection, the department of commerce must estimate a baseline of emissions associated with residential buildings constructed under the 2015 energy code for residential structures, and must estimate the amount of emission reductions relative to the baseline anticipated to be achieved during a three-year implementation period of the 2018 energy code for residential structures.
(c) The 2018 energy code for residential structures must not be implemented if estimated emission reductions under the 2018 energy code for residential structures relative to the 2015 energy code for residential energy structures exceed the percentage rate of emission reductions required on an annual basis in order for Washington state emissions to achieve the limits established in RCW 70.235.020. Instead, the 2018 energy code for residential structures must be revised to achieve emission reductions that are consistent with the annual emission reductions from new residential construction that would be needed to achieve the limits established in RCW 70.235.020.
(3)(a) The department of commerce must produce an economic analysis of the cost per ton of greenhouse gas emission reductions of any projected emission reductions anticipated to be achieved during the three-year implementation period of the 2018 energy code for residential structures. This analysis must model expected greenhouse gas emission reductions from a variety of new residential construction types and sizes of home in each climate zone in Washington over the life of the home, considering the fuel mix likely to serve those homes for electricity and heat. The analysis must describe the upfront cost added to new residential construction as a result of the 2018 energy code for residential structures.
(b) The 2018 energy code for residential structures may not be implemented if the department of commerce determines that the cost per metric ton of greenhouse gas emission reductions from the 2018 energy code for residential structures is greater than the cost of emission reductions through the purchase of other regulatory instruments that represent verifiable emission reductions."
EFFECT: Requires the Department of Commerce to establish a methodology for measuring greenhouse gas emissions associated with the 2015 and 2018 energy codes for residential structures. Forbids implementation of the 2018 energy code if the annual rate of emission reductions projected from new construction under the energy code exceeds the annual emission reduction rate required statewide in order to achieve statutory state emission reduction limits. Requires the Department of Commerce to produce an economic analysis of the cost-per-ton of greenhouse gas emission reductions associated with the 2018 energy code for residential structures, and prohibits the implementation of the 2018 code if the cost-per-ton of emission reductions exceeds the cost-per-ton of purchasing verifiable emission reductions through other regulatory instruments.
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