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Utilities Committee
Kansas Senate
Written Testimony of Bruce Snead
March 17, 2003
HB 2131
At Dr. Lee Allison’s request, I have the privilege of serving on
the External Committee of the State Energy Resources Coordinating Council, which
assisted the Council regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency topics. Dr. Allison
and the entire Council should be congratulated for accomplishing so much with incredibly
limited time. Such a tight schedule inevitably made it likely that legislative action items
might need additional refinement as you move forward with implementation. The changes
that have been accomplished through the legislative process and amendments made to HB
2131 and committee additions have been very productive and have improved the bill.
I support the bill in its current form and believe it:
- Creates appropriate and comprehensive thermal energy efficiency design standards
policy for the State of Kansas, for residential, industrial and commercial buildings.
This will help keep future energy costs of building ownership and operation more
affordable by guiding design and construction decisions with the most current
approaches providing flexibility compliance, technologies and practices.
- Recognizes the work and unification of code setting authorities that has occurred
since the last Kansas Legislature action in this arena and helps provide a comprehensive
reference and maintains a flexible approach for municipalities in the code adoption process.
- Does not increase the cost to builders of meeting energy efficiency codes
and guidelines or require them to do anything different than they are currently
doing, other than provide information that they already have available about the
residential structure, either upon request, or a the latest during contract
negotiations.
- Increases the opportunity for consumers to access timely energy efficiency/building
information critical to the operating costs, purchase price, contract negotiation
decisions and ultimate affordability for what is the largest investment they may ever
make, buying a home.
I urge you to take positive action on this bill, as it represents a fair
and appropriate update to the long term energy policy for the future building stock
of Kansas, is beneficial for Kansas home buyers and fair to builders, and will help
ensure the design and construction of buildings which will reduce demand for energy
throughout their useful life. I would be happy to answer questions or respond to
concerns the committee may have.
Bruce Snead
Member, External Committee, State Energy Resources Coordinating Council
Home
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Manhattan, KS 66502
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