Senate Bill 2012

AN ACT TO PROMOTE THE USE OF THE LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (LEED) GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEM STANDARDS IN PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS; TO ENCOURAGE STATE AGENCIES AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO SEEK LEED CERTIFICATION IN NEW AND RENOVATION PROJECTS TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DEVELOP AN EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM TO INCREASE THE UTILIZATION OF LEED STANDARDS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) As used in this section, the term "LEED certification" means certification as complying with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System standards relevant to the type of building.

(2) When planning, altering, renovating, constructing and maintaining buildings, state agencies and political subdivisions are encouraged to consider conducting such activities in compliance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System standards to the greatest extent practicable. Each agency and political subdivision is encouraged to seek LEED certification at the earliest stage of activity and throughout the life of the building.

(3) Each agency and political subdivision is encouraged to include a provision in all leases to emphasize LEED certification.

(4) Each agency and political subdivision is encouraged to expeditiously assess its procurement policies and procedures to ensure the promotion of environmentally sustainable building practices incorporated in LEED standards.

(5) It is the duty of the Department of Environmental Quality, if funds are available, to develop and promote a coordinated outreach and education program to increase public awareness and utilization of LEED certification and standards in the design and construction of commercial buildings.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.