ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 20, 2007) - Stressing the benefits for the long-term economic and environmental health of the state, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot today testified before a joint session of the House of Delegates' Appropriations and Health Governmental Operations Committee to endorse House Bills 863, 901 and 942. The proposed legislation would provide incentives and create requirements for state buildings to be built with energy-saving green building technology.
"The environmental advantages of moving toward green construction are undeniable, but what cannot be stressed enough are the economic benefits that we will also enjoy," said Comptroller Franchot. "The savings in energy bills, the lower cost of maintenance and repairs, and the overall boost in worker/student production will greatly outweigh the upfront costs we would experience. This will help position Maryland as a national role model in environmental protection as well as a leader in innovative and progressive building construction techniques."
"The people of our state want and deserve policies that promote livable, sustainable and healthy communities," said Delegate William A. Bronrott (District 16, Bethesda), member House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and the Environment. "It may surprise some that buildings are the biggest energy hogs -- they consume more energy than cars and trucks combined. Requiring future state-funded buildings and schools to meet widely-accepted green building standards is socially responsible and fiscally prudent. There is no reason to wait or study this any further. The time to act is now."
"High performance buildings make sense economically, fiscally and environmentally," said Delegate Dan Morhaim (District 11, Baltimore County), member of the House Health and Governmental Operations Committee. "High performance schools are shown to improve test scores, teacher satisfaction and reduce health issues. The private sector is rapidly moving in this direction and it is time the state does as well."
See also the Green Buildings Tax Credit currently available for qualifying businesses.
To learn more about the Office of the Comptroller, visit: www.marylandtaxes.com.
###
Contact: Joseph Shapiro, 410-260-7305
