Green building bill passes House

Following the lead of other states across the nation, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed H.B. 444, requiring Commonwealth buildings to comply with green building standards. If passed by the Pennsylvania Senate and signed by Gov. Ed Rendell, the bill would cover all buildings owned by Commonwealth agencies or those that receive state appropriations.

Rep. Matt Smith (D-Allegheny County), co-sponsor of the legislation with Rep. Kate Harper (D-Montgomery Co)., said the bill would also cover school district projects that exceed $1 million in construction cost or 20,000 square feet.

“This really accomplishes a couple of things,” said Smith. “It saves taxpayer money, and reduces carbon emissions. It proves that we can be pro-environment and pro-economic development.” Smith credited Pittsburgh’s Green Building Alliance and American Institute of Architects with crafting a bill specific to Pennsylvania.

The future progress of the bill, officially known as the High-Performance, State-Funded Buildings Standards Act, may be impeded by debates on the state budget. But after its 180-17 passage in the House, Smith is optimistic about its chances . “If [it’s not passed] by the recess, we’ll get in though in the fall, to get it to the governor in this session,” he says. The measure would take effect in 60 days of the bill’s signing.

Source: Matt Smith
Writer: Chris O’Toole