Resolve, To Improve the Energy Efficiency of Residential and Commercial Buildings

Sec. 1. Feasibility study. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission and the Maine State Housing Authority shall study the feasibility of and make recommendations for state policies or programs to increase compliance with the model building energy code developed by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 121 in the construction and renovation of residential and commercial buildings in the State. Any recommendations must provide for exemptions for low-income individuals for whom compliance with the code is a financial hardship and for individuals who build their own residences. The study must include consultation with stakeholders, including but not limited to homeowners, building contractors and representatives of the real estate industry. The study must consider the development and implementation of education and outreach strategies to inform owners and builders of residential and commercial buildings about the model building energy code; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That no later than January 1, 2008 the Public Utilities Commission and Maine State Housing Authority shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy on their findings and recommendations under section 1 regarding a program to increase compliance with the model building energy code developed by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 121. The report must include a summary of any data that has been collected by the commission related to the energy efficiency of the housing stock in the State; and be it further

Sec. 3. Authority to report legislation. Resolved: That the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy may submit legislation relating to the subject matter of this resolve to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.