HF 1977

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/17/2015 11:41am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; requiring the commissioner of labor and industry to allow
builders flexibility in the methods used to achieve the energy reduction goals of
the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code; amending Minnesota Statutes
2014, section 326B.118.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 326B.118, is amended to read:

326B.118 ENERGY CODE.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner, in consultation with the Construction Codes Advisory
Council, shall explore and review the availability and appropriateness of any model energy
codes related to the construction of single one- and two-family residential buildings. In
consultation with the council, the commissioner shall take steps to adopt the chosen code
with all necessary and appropriate amendments.

new text begin (b) new text end The commissioner may not adopt all or part of a model energy code relating to
the construction of residential buildings without research and analysis that addresses,
at a minimum, air quality, building durability, moisture, enforcement, enforceability
cost benefit, and liability. The research and analysis must be completed in cooperation
with practitioners in residential construction and building science and an affirmative
recommendation by the Construction Codes Advisory Council.

new text begin (c) The commissioner must adopt an energy rating index performance path providing
a range of options for compliance with the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code
(IECC). Compliance with the index performance path constitutes compliance with IECC
(2012) requirements.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
The commissioner must adopt the performance paths by August 1, 2015.
new text end