Bill would establish new minimum energy standard

Lawmakers gave first-round approval March 17 to a bill that would adopt a new minimum energy standard for the state.

LB329, introduced by Omaha Sen. Tanya Cook, would adopt the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the Nebraska Energy Code. The bill also would update language regarding existing structures and historic buildings to conform to the 2009 code and would provide for IECC training for builders and inspectors.

Cook said she introduced the bill on behalf of the Nebraska Energy Office because the state is required to make a reasonable effort to update its energy code as a condition of receiving $31 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

An Urban Affairs Committee amendment, adopted 32-0, removed a section of the bill that would have required a city, county or village to receive written approval from the State Energy Office prior to proceeding with enforcement of an ordinance, resolution or code that waived a specific requirement of the Nebraska Energy Code if meeting the requirement was not economically justified.

LB329 advanced to select file 32-0.