Introduced Version - Originating in Committee
Senate Concurrent Resolution 73 History
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Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 73
(By Senators Unger, Jenkins, D. Facemire, K. Facemyer, Plymale,
Stollings and White)
[Originating in the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
public policy initiatives that promote the development and
implementation of green building standards, green energy
workforce and energy demand-side management in the public and
private sectors, as well as potential tax credits
.
Whereas, President Barack Obama initiated a significant
catalyst to the green energy economy through the commitment of
billions of federal dollars; and
Whereas,
West Virginia is one of the largest energy producers
and exporters in the United States, a state which, in addition to
fossil fuel reserves, has a vast amount of renewable energy
resources that, if effectively captured and developed, is capable
of creating greater opportunities and substantial wealth in West
Virginia's energy economy
,
twenty states, including the neighboring
states of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio, have dedicated funds to
promote renewable energy technologies
, and
West Virginia's economy may benefit from joining other states that are supporting renewable
energy projects by establishing a dedicated, long-term funding
source
; and
Whereas, The creation of further demand for skilled trained
green jobs and products is important to future economic development
in the state; and
Whereas, Educational and training programs within the
community college/vocational-technical system serve as the catalyst
for the development of green jobs; and
Whereas, The development of energy demand-side best practices
will generate savings for both public and private sector
organizations; and
Whereas, Several public sector entities, such as the School
Building Authority and Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority,
currently possess the capability and programmatic structure
conducive to the development and implementation of energy demand-
side best practices; and
Whereas, The United States Green Building Council has
developed standards known as the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design standards; and
Whereas, Further review and determination of the most relevant
and useful green building standards is critical to any energy
demand-side management policy and program; and
Whereas, The availability of credits against certain state taxes, such as the West Virginia corporation net income tax, the
business franchise tax and the West Virginia personal income tax,
for placing in service certain energy efficient buildings, such as
those buildings that comply with designated requirements of the
federal Energy Star programs, would encourage the construction or
rehabilitation of energy-efficient buildings in this state;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study public policy initiatives that promote the
development and implementation of green building standards, green
energy workforce and energy demand-side management in the public
and private sectors, as well as potential tax credits; and, be it
Further Resolved,
That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance is hereby requested to study the different types and
funding methods of renewable energy technology funds operated by
other states and the feasibility and viability of establishing a
state dedicated fund to promote renewable energy technologies in
West Virginia, and to consider and evaluate different methods of
funding a renewable energy technology fund in West Virginia; and,
be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance may seek input and information from experts and other
resources appropriate to this study; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.