The state Legislature has taken an important step to reduce its carbon footprint and saving taxpayer money, after the Senate and Assembly unanimously passed the State Green Building Construction Act [1]. The bill will now be passed on to Governor Paterson [2] for consideration.

Championed by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo [3] and by Sen. Carl Marcellino [4], the bill will require that the state develop green building standards for all new construction or substantial renovation of all state government buildings. This includes state agencies and public authorities, which are New York's largest energy users.

Lupardo said the legislation was a response to rising energy costs and the growing field of green technology. "Green buildings use resources, including energy, water, materials and land more efficiently and effectively," Lupardo said. "They also minimize the negative environmental consequences and produce less waste. This is a common-sense measure that we can all benefit from."

NYLCV would like to thank lawmakers in both houses for making this success possible.