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House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	May 2, 2013 02:14 PM
From:	Representative Ron Miller
To:	All House members
Subject:	State Agency Green Technology Implementation

In the near future, I will introduce legislation authorizing our Department of General Services (DGS) to enact concise criteria for testing of energy efficiency and demand response technologies within our state agencies. The language of the legislation is clear in stating that if the Secretary of DGS determines that use of a particular technology, product or process may promote energy efficiency and create a reduction in energy costs for state agencies, the Secretary may direct a state agency to demonstrate the efficacy of that technology, product or process on a trial basis. This Pilot demonstration will validate the effectiveness of that technology, allowing our departments to explore new ways to save money and promote energy efficiency. The Department of Environmental Protection, DGS and Pennsylvania Coal Association were contacted last year in order to find language that could meet their satisfaction and develop consensus. Several criteria exist that must be met before the Secretary of DGS can authorize the trial of a technology. It must be proven that the use of this technology, product or process will not adversely affect safety at the state agency. Additionally, sufficient research and development must have occurred to warrant participation and a technology demonstration under the auspice of this legislation. Finally, the technology must have potential for commercialization not later than two years after completion of agency testing. Upon the conclusion of the trial period, if the Secretary determines that implementation of the technology may reduce energy usage and costs, the Secretary may request that the technology be expanded to all state agencies. This legislation is similar to a bill already passed and implemented in the state of Connecticut in 2009 (Section 63 of Public Act 09-07 An Act Concerning Test Bed Technologies) and has since saved the state of Connecticut millions of dollars in reduced energy costs. Last session HB1290 passed out of committee with bipartisan support. During the 2009-2010 Session HB2601 passed the full House, also with bipartisan support. I feel that we can do this again. It should be noted that the fiscal note for HB2601of 2009-10 showed $0 cost to the Commonwealth and no mandate for purchasing a technology is present in the bill. This is an innovative way for our state to implement an organized process to introduce, demonstrate, and procure technologies that will save Pennsylvania tax payers money and reduce the state agency energy costs. In times of fiscal woes, we must look at every possible way to become more efficient. This legislation will do just that – something we all can agree on. Please join me in sponsoring this much needed legislation to reduce state energy costs and lead the way in implementing efficient technologies.

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