TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- One New Jersey lawmaker hopes to make the Garden State a little greener by studying ways to improve energy efficiency in buildings statewide.
Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Englewood, recently introduced legislation that would establish a task force charged with determining the need for and feasibility of implementing so-called green technology.
"We've already taken many strong steps to promote clean energy and combat climate change. Finding ways to infuse green building technology into projects throughout the state is another piece to that puzzle," Vainieri Huttle said.
No hearings have been scheduled on the measure, which would establish the New Jersey State Building Green Building Technology Task Force.
The panel would have 13 members, including the commissioners of the state's Environmental Protection, Community Affairs, Transportation and Education departments. Other members would include the state treasurer, the Board of Public Utilities president and seven public members, appointed by the governor, representing various industries and organizations.
The group would submit a written report on its findings within 18 months of their first meeting.
The panel's proposed mission would include:
- Studying and identifying environmental, economic, health and community benefits of green building technology.
- Improving efforts of state, county and municipal agencies to focus on those benefits.
- Encourage various state departments to incorporate the technology in new government structures, and in the rehabilitation, maintenance and operation of existing state-owned facilities.
- Develop programs to encourage builders to use green building technology in developing smart growth areas.
- Determine the best method for instituting a green building technology program.
Vainieri Huttle says creating the task force makes sense for the state, noting that New Jersey was among the first to codify greenhouse gas reduction goals. The state also helped jump-start the first cap-and-trade program in the nation for carbon dioxide and is seeking ways to boost offshore wind production.
"Working with experts and industry to find more ways to promote and spread green building technology is a logical next step," she said.
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