Policy

Written by Robert Smouse, LEED AP

USGBC TEXAS CHAPTERS UNITE FOR 81st LEGISLATURE

During the previous State of Texas 2007 Legislature Session, many green building advocates throughout the State were caught off guard of numerous House and Senate Legislative bills that were discussed pertaining to green building, high performance structures, increased energy efficiency standards, renewable energy, and the LEED Rating System.  Well, that did not happen with the current legislation session!  

As a result of preceding increased legislative activity, a revised comprehensive strategy was developed within the North Texas Chapter and the Regional Advocacy Committee during May 2008.   This new expanded approach fostered a larger statewide coordinated effort with other Texas USGBC Chapters beginning in July 2008.  The larger Advocacy team consisted of Catherine Horsey of the North Texas Chapter, Julie Hendricks of the Greater Houston Chapter, John Howard, Michele Van Hyfte, Bob Harris Tenna Florian and Heather DeGrella of the Central Texas/ Balcones (Austin & San Antonio) Chapters, and David Rawlings of  the Chihuahuan Desert (El Paso) chapter.

Since the collaborative effort commenced eight months earlier, the broader Texas USGBC Advocacy team devoted numerous hours reviewing, discussing, and formulating a “united” Texas USGBC Chapter support for various legislative items impacting sustainable construction.  Although many other bills were discussed, the consolidated advocacy group identified four House and seven Senate Bills in the current 81st session as important policies impacting green building construction.  It was commonly understood that each of the four individual Texas Chapters may elect to support additional Legislative Bills based on region specific strategic evaluation and that the short list should not be interpreted as a lack of support.  However, each Chapter unanimously agreed to a focused effort toward these particular bills.  

The USGBC North Texas Advocacy Committee encourages each individual member learn more about these prospective public policy proposals, and if agreeable to the proposed Legislative content, show support toward the listed legislative bills.  Remember, not voicing an opinion is the same as “consent to status quo” by silence.  As members of the North Texas Chapter, we have the opportunity with our efforts to impact lasting substantive sustainable changes in the region and industry.

HOUSE BILL	TOPIC
HB 516	Relating to the establishment and funding of a green job skills training program. (identical SB 108, Ellis)
HB 2019	Relating to design, construction, and renovation standards for state buildings and facilities.
HB 2337	Relating to the guaranteed level of state and local funds under the existing debt allotment for school districts whose construction or renovation design plans are highly rated for environmental efficiency.
HB 3149	Relating to the adoption and financing of energy efficiency, conservation, and indoor air quality standards for the design, construction, and renovation of public school instructional facilities.
SENATE BILL	TOPIC
SB 16	Relating to the enhancement of air quality, including the capture of carbon dioxide and development of a greenhouse gas registry, the development of emissions reduction technologies, and the improvement of energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles, and appliances; providing civil penalties.
SB 127	Relating to design, construction, and renovation standards for state buildings and facilities.
SB 267	Relating to design, construction, and renovation standards for state buildings and facilities.
SB 701	Relating to state assistance to fund public school instructional facilities that meet certain design and construction, renovation, or improvement standards.
SB 427	Relating to energy demand and incentives for distributed renewable generation.
SB 677	Relating to requiring solar panels to be offered by certain builders of new homes.
SB 1419	Relating to this state's goal for renewable energy.