by Brianna Crandall — June 3, 2013—Continuing to advance Mississippi’s energy economy, Governor Phil Bryant recently signed into law four pieces of energy efficiency legislation. The measures, which aim to make state government energy consumption more efficient so savings can be directed to other priorities, include adopting statewide commercial energy building codes that meet the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 standard.
Gov. Bryant has made expanding Mississippi’s energy economy a top priority for his administration, and the bills are part of his comprehensive energy development strategy, Energy Works: Mississippi’s Energy Roadmap. His Energy Works initiatives include increasing energy efficiency in state government, reducing barriers to energy production, and developing opportunities in the energy supply chain.
“These measures will empower state agencies to implement energy management plans that can lower energy usage and lead to cost savings, Gov. Bryant said. “We are also adopting statewide commercial energy building codes and providing a mechanism for municipalities and school districts to utilize alternative fuel vehicles in their fleets. These new energy policies have the potential to save significant taxpayer dollars and increase Mississippi’s competitiveness. As we work to attract new industries, these measures will further position our state as leader in the energy sector.
Legislation signed into law by Gov. Bryant includes:
HB 1296 Mississippi Energy Sustainability and Development Act
Restructures and provides direction for the state’s energy office, the Mississippi Development Authority’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (MDA ENR) and provides the office with the tools to promote the state’s energy resources and encourage greater energy efficiency within state agencies.
HB 1281 Energy Efficiency Standards for Commercial Buildings
Increases the energy code standard for commercial buildings to meet the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1-2010 standard. Mississippi is the first state in the Southeast, and the third state in the United States, to adopt the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 code standard for commercial buildings.
HB 1266 Enhanced Building Codes for State-Owned Buildings
Requires all major facilities projects overseen by the Department of Finance and Administration for state-owned buildings to be constructed to the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 standard.
HB 1685 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Revolving Loan Fund
Creates a $2.75 million zero-interest revolving loan fund, to be administered by MDA ENR, which will allow municipalities and school districts to borrow funds at no interest for the cost of purchasing or converting vehicles to natural gas or propane and for the cost of infrastructure required in the fueling process.
“Adopting statewide commercial energy building codes for new construction and major renovations saves money, improves and standardizes building practices in commercial design and construction, and provides Mississippians more comfortable, energy-efficient buildings,” said Karen Bishop, MDA ENR director.
To learn more about Mississippi’s energy initiatives, visit the state’s Energy Works: 2013 Landmark Energy Legislation Web site. To learn more about the benefits of a Mississippi location for doing business, visit the state’s Locate in Mississippi Web site.
