|
GUEST COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Matt Smith |
|
Painting Pennsylvania 'green' takes leadership and time
By state Rep. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny
Going green can be good for our wallets and our environment. Someday, I hope to see green all across Pennsylvania – "green" buildings that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Indeed, the cost savings from green buildings would benefit everyone.
I'm proud that our very own Pittsburgh was dubbed the "greenest city in America" based on the number of building projects that met green building standards in 2005. But turning our Commonwealth green takes time and, more importantly, leadership at the state and local level.
Last year, I introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at helping Pennsylvania transform the way its buildings and communities are designed, built and operated.
One of my proposals was passed into law, providing a tax credit for residential or commercial construction or renovations that meet the environmental standards known as the LEED or "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design." This was ultimately passed as grants for green buildings.
I was proud to secure state funding for such a great program. However, my other green proposal did not make it into law despite its merits, so I'm reintroducing it this year. The bill would require all buildings constructed or refurbished with state funds to meet LEED standards.
I believe this proposal would help guarantee that state funds are used in the most efficient and responsible way possible while providing immediate and future benefits to us all. Climate change and environmental issues are on everyone's radar, and I believe that we can continue to grow our economy and protect the environment by embracing smart development techniques like green buildings.
By increasing the demand for environmentally friendly building materials and furnishings, we are investing in our local economy by making use of local, renewable energy sources rather than foreign energy. Additionally, green buildings have been shown to improve the health and productivity of those living and working in them, cutting down on health-related problems.
Importantly, additional green buildings would produce significant cost savings over the life of the structures through lower utility and power costs. As if the benefits aren't plentiful already, green buildings also cut down on pollution created by the buildings and improve our air quality.
Green can be the color of the future, but we in state government have to lead by example first.
State Rep. Matt Smith (www.pahouse.com/MSmith) represents the 42nd Legislative District in Allegheny County.
###