Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §122 is enacted to read:

§122.__Energy efficiency building code

The commission shall adopt by rule an energy efficiency building code for buildings to be owned or occupied by the State.__ The energy efficiency building code must be consistent with model building codes adopted by the State, including those adopted pursuant to section 121 and Title 10, section 1415-D.__The commission shall require that, beginning with all construction initiated on or after July 1, 2006, all buildings constructed by the State or for occupancy by the State adhere to the energy efficiency building code in the construction of the building and installation of energy use systems.__Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Public Utilities Commission to adopt an energy efficiency building code for use in the construction of all buildings built by or for the occupancy of the State beginning with construction initiated on or after July 1, 2006. The commission is directed to adopt routine technical rules for the energy efficiency building code.