HomeMy WebLinkAbout120423 Reply Requested - Information Requested - Clean Buildings Act ComplianceALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Good afternoon LSC members,
As the 2024 Legislative Session approaches, your WSAC team is working to develop effective advocacy strategies. One area we are focusing our efforts on this year is state appropriations
for the additional $1.5 billion collected over the last few months in Climate Commitment Act revenue.
We’ve identified Clean Buildings Act compliance efforts as an area of increased state investment that would directly benefit counties.
We need your help in collecting some data to support our work.
For brief background, the Clean Buildings Act was passed in 2019 and expanded in 2022. It includes new energy performance standards for existing Tier 1 (50,000 sq. ft. +) and Tier 2
(20,000 to 49,999 sq. ft.) buildings, including publicly owned facilities. The energy efficiency performance standards become mandatory in 2026. Many counties will need to invest in
significant upgrades to meet the new standards. There are financial penalties for noncompliance.
You can find more information on the Act’s requirements in RCW 19.27A.200-.240 and on the Department of Commerce’s website.
The legislature created a grant program in last year’s budget that includes $52 million for which building owners may apply. However, private companies and public agencies are all eligible
for the grants. It appears, at first glance, that this amount may be woefully inadequate to meet the need. Our plan is to request additional funding support for counties.
We’d like to include information in our advocacy documents from WSAC members as to what their estimates may be for compliance for these upcoming mandates.
Please send me any estimates your may have completed so that I can add them to the other date we collect. We’re happy to accept whatever you have, in any form.
Thank you for your help. Please let me know you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
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Paul Jewell | Policy Director – Water, Land Use, Environment & Solid Waste
Washington State Association of Counties | wsac.org <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwsac.org&c=E,1,20pPUeZu9LJag26k58iRKZ5fHUun6LCPMHuJ4iCZFR_-sIBAKpRXoMkdXf1Y3gqxmLePLJ381W00vhT
sWhPcWywszUcjYnfU4dewBXODzlR1PBO-&typo=1&ancr_add=1>
pjewell@wsac.org | 360.489.3024
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