GBA Advocates for Green Building at the Local, State &
Federal Legislative Level

State Update: Special Session on
Energy Underway

Two bills regarding green buildings are being considered as a part of the Governor's Special Session on Energy, which commenced on September 24: the High Performance Buildings Tax Credit and the High Performance State-Funded Buildings Standards Act. Both of these measures are supported by the Green Building Forum.

The High Performance Building Tax Credit Act (Special Session House Bill 5), which is sponsored by Representative Rubley, mandates that new building owners for meeting high energy conservation standards, was approved by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on October 23rd and the House Appropriations Committee on October 29th. This legislation now awaits consideration by the full House of Representative, and a vote on the House floor is expected soon.

The High Performance Buildings legislation (Special Session House Bill 4), sponsored by Representative Rubley, mandates that new buildings receiving State funding for construction meet certain green building standards. This bill is currently awaiting committee approval and may be considered by the state House within the coming weeks.

Upon passage in the State House, the bills will move to the State Senate for consideration. HB 4 and 5 must pass the State Senate with the identical language as the State House in order to be signed into law by the governor.

The GBA is a key member of the Green Building Forum, which is comprised of the following groups: AIA PA, Green Building Alliance, Delaware Valley Green Building Council, Green Building Association of Central Pennsylvania, Penn Environment, PennFuture, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, and the US Green Building Council.

Local Update

The City of Pittsburgh passed its first official legislation as an incentive for certified green buildings, and Councilman Peduto proposed legislation advocating for even more action

The Majestic Star Casino being built on Pittsburgh's North Shore agreed to 70% non-smoking to help comply with LEED

The new Arena being planned for Pittsburgh is addressing important design issues