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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Matt Smith |
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Smith bill to provide tax credits for ‘green’ buildings sent to full House
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny, said legislation he introduced to provide tax credits for new construction or renovation of existing buildings into “green” buildings in Pennsylvania was moved out of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today.
“Green buildings not only provide an environmental benefit, but they bring growth to local economies as well,” Smith said. “Particularly in western Pennsylvania, we already have several buildings that have set the bar very high in terms of environmentally friendly construction. They pay off for the environment, they’re more comfortable to work in and they save money in the long run.”
The bill (Special Session H.B. 5) is similar to H.B. 1205, which Smith introduced in regular session. The special session bill would provide tax credits to residential owners or tenants and commercial owners or tenants for either the construction of a green building or the rehabilitation of a non-green building into a green building.
In order to qualify for a tax credit, the building must meet certain size restrictions and must also meet specific environmental standards in several areas, including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
The Special Session on Energy was called by the governor over the summer. During the special session, only legislation affecting energy policy can be introduced, debated and passed.
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CONTACT: Ruth A. Myers |