Assembly approves bill designed to improve public building energy savings

The Assembly gave unanimous approval Tuesday to legislation that will let governments contract with industry to improve energy efficiency in public buildings.

AB398 permits local governments to sign "performance contracts" with companies that can install all sorts or energy efficiency improvements in government buildings. Assemblyman Jason Geddes, R-Reno, said the improvements would be paid for by the savings they generate.

He said the legislation is designed to encourage creative ways of improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs in public buildings without the state or local government having to make the capital outlay for the improvements and equipment. Too often, he said, energy efficiency is confined to simply replacing heating and cooling plants, tinting windows and similar changes.

The legislation goes to the Senate for review.