U.S. Senator Jeffords Introduces Bipartisan Green Building Legislation

U.S. Senator Jim Jeffords, I-Vt. introduced the High-Performance Green Building Act of 2006 on June 28, to authorize the use of $50 million over five years to encourage the development and use of energy-efficient, environmentally sound, and safe “green buildings.” The High-Performance Green Building Act of 2006 is cosponsored by Senators Snowe, Lautenberg, Chafee, Boxer, Feinstein, Clinton, Lieberman, and Obama. This bipartisan legislation codifies existing federal green building initiatives, including those outlined in Memorandums of Understanding and Executive Orders, and enhances ongoing federal green building programs. This bill requires the federal government to establish green building standards for all federal facilities. The legislation also improves federal coordination and leadership related to the use of green buildings; expands research and development of green building technology; increases public outreach regarding green building activities inside and outside of the federal government; reviews the current budget structure and approval process for government projects; and encourages schools to improve the environmental conditions of their facilities. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings in the United States account for 39 percent of total energy use, 70 percent of electricity consumption, 38.1 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, and 30 percent of raw material use. Much of […]

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