2003 Montana Legislature

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13

INTRODUCED BY TOOLE

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY TO INVESTIGATE OPTIONS FOR IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY BUILDING CODES LAWS AND OTHER ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION PRACTICES; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 59TH LEGISLATURE.

 

     WHEREAS, section 50-60-201, MCA, establishes the purpose of the state building code; and

     WHEREAS, section 50-60-201(6), MCA, provides that the state building code must be designed to "encourage efficiencies of design and insulation that enable buildings to be heated in the winter with the least possible quantities of energy and to be kept cool in the summer without air conditioning equipment or with the least possible use of the equipment"; and

     WHEREAS, section 50-60-201(7), MCA, provides that the state building code must be designed to "encourage efficiencies and criteria directed toward design of building envelopes with high thermal resistance and low air leakage and toward requiring practices in the design and selection of mechanical, electrical, and illumination systems that promote the efficient use of energy"; and

     WHEREAS, Montana's energy codes have not been updated since 1995; and

     WHEREAS, recent advancements in technologies and techniques for creating energy-efficient buildings warrant a fresh look at Montana's policies and practices; and

     WHEREAS, other states in the region and nation have recently adopted new energy codes to take advantage of these advancements and to conform to new industry-accepted standards; and

     WHEREAS, the Environmental Quality Council has historically demonstrated the ability to facilitate constructive, collaborative solutions by bringing together diverse constituencies in order to address energy efficiency and state building codes issues.     

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

     That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:

     (1) evaluate the state's current energy-efficient building policies and practices;

     (2) investigate options for improving the energy-efficient building codes and practices in Montana; and

     (3) investigate and evaluate other options for improving energy efficiency and conservation practices.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study consider:

     (1) the results of recent state and regional studies on the characteristics of nonresidential and residential building practices;      

     (2) recent studies quantifying energy conservation potential in the state and region.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements and any educational materials, be concluded prior to September 15, 2004.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 59th Legislature.

- END -

 


Latest Version of SJ 13 (SJ0013.ENR)
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