From the Statehouse

By Jennifer Garrison

January 7, 2010

Last month the Ohio House passed several bills as the first year of the 128th General Assembly came to a close. Two of these bills deal with the use of energy in public buildings. The energy costs of operating public buildings are staggering and stand to increase significantly in the coming years. We must enact sound public policy to ensure these costs are contained.  It is also essential to assure that long-term facility investments are both prudent and sustainable.

House Bill 7 requires that any newly constructed building using state capital funding meet one of the following energy efficiency standards:

o   Rating of Silver from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system developed by US Green Building Council
o   Two green globes from the Green Globes system developed by Green Building Initiative
o   An additional standard, chosen by the Director of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, a nationally recognized green building rating system

House Bill 7 also states that any construction contracts subsidized by state capital funds make reasonable efforts to use Ohio products and materials for construction.

In order to ensure the economic viability of a project, the bill provides several exemptions related to the size, cost, and funding of a project.

Exemptions include:

construction of a building less than 5,000 sq ft

a building without heating or air conditioning (i.e. parking garage)

a sustainability construction project whose timeline to recoup costs exceeds 20 years

projects less than $500,000

a construction project using 10 percent or less in capital budget funds

House Bill 7 will cut state costs and increase energy efficiency in public buildings for years to come. If enacted, Ohio would join 15 other states that require similar energy efficiencies in public buildings. Also, because the law only applies to new construction, House Bill 7 will not impact historic buildings or buildings being renovated using state dollars. The bill also creates a number of construction jobs installing these new technologies.

I co-sponsored and voted “yes” on House Bill 7. The legislation passed the House and now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 113 creates the Renewable Energy Schools Pilot Program, which allows school districts with more than 5,000 students to install renewable energy systems as long as it is economically feasible and beneficial.

Although none of the school districts I represent meet the student threshold, there are 71 school districts in Ohio that qualify for the pilot program.  The bill allows school districts to enter into contracts ensuring the school district will not be responsible for any up-front or maintenance costs for the solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems.

The bill will reduce emissions from these buildings while lowering their electricity bills. Furthermore, the legislation will expand Ohio’s green economy and create jobs installing these technologies. Also, by including an incentive for using manufactured goods produced in Ohio, HB 113 will promote the production of solar panels and wind turbines, as well as their component parts, in our state.

This bill presents an opportunity for school districts throughout the state to lower their energy costs using renewable technology.  I voted “yes” on House Bill 113 as it passed out of the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

You can reach Jennifer Garrison in her Columbus office at (614)644-8728, in the district at (740)373-2414 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Her website is www.jennifergarrison.com.