Building Codes Assistance Project

[Updated October 7, 2009]

On January 26, a bill (HB 2337) was introduced in the Arizona State Legislature that would establish voluntary energy efficiency goals for residential and commercial construction, schools and state buildings, and authorizes state agencies and school districts to enter into energy performance contracts and renewable energy power service agreements and utilize the savings resulting from these contracts.

On August 7, 2009, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) co-sponsored bi-partisan legislation (S. 1637) in the U.S. Senate to extend the $2,000 tax credit for energy efficient homes (which is set to expire on January 1, 2010 unless extended by Congress) to December 31, 2012 and create a $5,000 credit for homes that use 50% less whole house energy than the 2004 IECC (50 HERS Index).

After the passage of legislation in June updating the state's energy codes, the Tennessee Fire Marshal's office will be holding public hearings (schedule below) throughout the state on the prospective regulations. Written public comments will be accepted until Thursday, October 15. A key proposed change up for debate: