125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1264 LR 1352(01)
An Act To Improve the Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings and Create Jobs
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Sen. Bartlett, II of Cumberland
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
State Mandate - Unfunded
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 Projections  FY 2013-14 Projections  FY 2014-15
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $76,860 $91,479 $93,969 $95,679
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $76,860 $91,479 $93,969 $95,679
Other Special Revenue Funds $25,000 $0 $0 $0
State Mandates
Required Activity Unit Affected Local Cost
Modify construction standards to meet energy efficiency goals. Municipality
County
Significant statewide
The required local activities in this bill may represent a State mandate pursuant to the Constitution of Maine.  Unless General Fund appropriations are provided to fund at least 90% of the additional costs or a Mandate Preamble is amended to the bill and two-thirds of the members of each House vote to exempt this mandate from the funding requirement, municipalities may not be required to implement these changes.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT) will require an allocation of $25,000 in fiscal year 2011-12 to adopt rules and establish new green design building standards for public buildings and to consult with the Bureau of General Services regarding the new standards.  Sufficient resources exist within EMT to fund the allocation.  
The Department of Administrative and Financial Services will require a General Fund appropriation of $76,860 in fiscal year 2011-12 and $91,479 in fiscal year 2012-13 for one Architect postion and related costs associated with the expanded role of the Bureau of General Services with regard to energy efficiency standards in public buildings.
This legislation may also increase the construction and planning costs of a State Board of Education funded Major Capital Improvement project such as the construction of a new school or renovations to an existing school.  The potential increase in cost for each project cannot be determined at this time.  However, because debt service costs associated with funding school construction projects cannot exceed the annual levels established in 20-A §15905, a decrease in the total number of projects may be required to stay within spending limits.  If all planned projects are to be undertaken, the debt service limit may need to be raised.
This legislation may also result in increased construction and planning costs to the Maine Community College System, the University of Maine System and the Maine Maritime Academy.  The impact cannot be determined at this time.