ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
state energy code;
advisory commission
Establishes a voluntary state energy code for the purpose of providing incentives for the use of energy saving devices and methods. Establishes a State Energy Advisory Commission to review and make recommendations regarding the state energy code.
In 1992, the Federal Energy Policy Act was passed requiring each state to certify to the Secretary of State that it has reviewed and updated the provisions of the commercial building code regarding energy efficiency. The certification must include a demonstration that the state’s code provisions meet or exceed the requirements of American Society for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1-1989. According to the Department of Commerce, a majority of states have adopted ASHRAE 90.1 or more stringent standards for commercial construction. In residential construction, a smaller majority has adopted codes that meet or exceed the 1995 Model Energy Code. Currently, Arizona has not adopted a residential or a statewide commercial energy code.
Laws 1999, Chapter 336 established the Energy Efficiency Code Study Committee (Committee) to review the 1998 International Energy Conservation Code and relevant state energy efficiency codes currently in existence to determine an energy efficiency code for Arizona that may increase energy efficiency buildings in Arizona and to review different incentives for increasing energy efficiency, including tax incentives.
Laws 2000, Chapter 396, adopted as a result of the Committee’s recommendations, requires the Department of Commerce Energy Office to develop and submit a draft energy efficiency code and the legislative recommendations necessary to implement a energy efficiency code. The draft energy efficiency code was directed to be voluntary, and incentive based and to significantly reduce energy use. H.B. 2541 establishes a voluntary state energy code based on the code drafted by the Department of Commerce Energy Office for the purpose of providing incentives for the use of energy saving devices and methods, and establishes a State Energy Advisory Commission to review and make recommendations regarding the state energy code.
There is a minimal fiscal impact associated with the provision of this bill relating to the reimbursement of expenses for the members of the Commission.
1. Recognizes the energy code drafted by the Department of Commerce Energy Office as the voluntary state energy code (Code) for residential and commercial construction.
2. Requires the Code to be referenced for the purpose of allowing policymakers to provide incentives for the use of energy saving devices and methods.
3. Establishes a state energy code advisory commission (Commission) for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations regarding the Code, including any changes to the Code.
4. Requires the review to be recommended through an open, voluntary and consensus process.
5. Prescribes the membership of the Commission, and the initial terms of membership. Requires members of the Commission to serve three-year terms and annually elect a chairperson.
6. Requires the Department of Commerce Energy Office to provide staff support to the Commission.
7. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report that contains its review and recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, Director of the Department of Commerce and the Director of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public records.
8. Qualifies members of the Commission for reimbursements of expenses only.
9. Terminates the Commission on July 1, 2011, and repeals the section relating to the Commission on January 1, 2012.
10. Contains a general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by the Commerce Committee
1. Modifies the membership of the Commission by adding one certified journeyman electrician, one licensed electrical contractor and two representatives of the homebuilding industry.
2. Specifies that the state energy code is voluntary.
3. Makes technical and clarifying changes.
EUT 2/14/01 DP 10-0-0-0 COM 4/4/01 DPA 6-0-0-0
3rd Read 3/8/01 56-3-1-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
April 5, 2001