FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2010

LINCOLN,NE – State Senator Heath Mello introduced legislation today that aims to save energy and tax dollar through ensuring Nebraska’s state government “leads by example” in green building and energy star purchasing.

“LB 977 and 978 ensure that our state government lea lead by example in long-term energy and tax dollar savings through LEED building and purchasing Energy Star products,” said Mello. “These pieces of legislation demonstrate that by going green, Nebraskans will save some green. ”

LB 977 would require all new state facilities that are 5,00 square feet or larger and all retrofitted facilities that are 5,000 square feer or larger where more thatn 50% of the value of the building will be remodeled to be built to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System “Silver” certification standard.

LEED buildings are designed with a framework that utilizes green concepts throughout the process, including design and construction as well as operations and maintenance. Factors taken into account to earn the LEED Silver rating include sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indorr environmental quality.

LB 978 would require the Department of Administrative Servies to purchase Energy Star appliances whenever applicable unless the long-term cost savings would be greater by purchasing another product. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that saves money and protects the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

“Energy efficiency is proving to be a significant cost-saving tool as we re-engineer our state government to deal with our permanent fiscal crisis,” Mello said. “If we are going to build a new clean energy economy in Nebraska, state government must lead by example.

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