July 4, 2007—Several states in the West and the Midwest have passed significant energy legislation in recent weeks, according to a report from the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
Colorado (PDF file) passed a large package of energy bills, including bills that create a sales tax exception for renewable power equipment manufacturers, establish a Clean Energy Fund, require local building codes to meet international energy efficiency standards, and require state buildings to meet stringent green building standards.
Montana passed a bill that provides tax incentives for development and transmission of renewable energy and biofuels, while Nebraska passed a tax credit for biodiesel producers.
Nevada (PDF file) passed a mixed bag of bills, including AB 1, which includes geothermal hot water systems under the state’s portfolio standards. The state also reduced its green building tax incentive but added a minimum energy efficiency requirement; effectively banned standard incandescent light bulbs by 2012 by setting a new efficiency standard for light bulbs; required home sellers to provide buyers with a home energy evaluation; and directed the Public Utilities Commission to remove disincentives for natural gas utilities to offer energy efficiency programs.
Oklahoma passed a bill establishing the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center for biofuels research.
