MD SENATE VOTES TO REQUIRE GREEN CONSTRUCTION AP

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 ANNAPOLIS — New state buildings will need to use green building techniques under a bill moving forward in the Maryland Senate.

The Senate voted without objection today to advance a bill that would require the state to make state-funded buildings energy-efficient. The bill also requires school districts to use green building techniques for new schools after next year, though they could get waivers and the state would pick up half the tab.

The bill is among those backed by Gov. Martin O'Malley. But opponents say the bill will simply inflate the cost of new construction as the state already faces tight budgets. Supporters say the bill would save money in the long run because power bills in public buildings would be lower.