August 2, 2007

Kennedy Sponsored 'Green' Legislation Passes Unanimously

(August 2, 2007 – Buffalo, NY) Following the Erie County Legislature's unanimous, bipartisan passage of two green energy local laws sponsored by Legislator Tim Kennedy (D-South Buffalo), Erie County is required to adopt environmentally friendly standards when constructing or renovating County buildings and to purchase "Energy Star" rated products when available.

Legislator Kennedy sponsored both local laws, continuing his efforts to be proactive in the battle between municipalities and the rising costs and harmful effects of energy waste and environmental pollution.

"Our main concern here is setting a course of efficiency and conservation for the future of Erie County," Kennedy said, "Our goal is to take Western New York from an old rustbelt region and transform it into a new greenbelt region. I believe we are heading in that direction with the adaptation of these adopted two local laws."

The first of the Local Laws titled, The Green Buildings Act, requires Erie County to adopt United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards when constructing or renovating County owned buildings larger than 2,500 gross square feet.

"As a municipality, Erie County faces skyrocketing energy costs with no end in sight," Kennedy said, "Public buildings play a large role in the problems of pollution and global climate change. We must make a stand and address these concerns from a proactive approach that will introduce high-performance methods that save energy costs, preserve the environment, and lead to increased productivity for employees and others, and at the same time, save taxpayer dollars!"

The second Local Law titled, The Energy Efficient Products Act, requires Erie County to purchase electrical products certified as Energy Star by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or the Federal Energy Management Program when available.

"Erie County's energy bills continue to escalate," Kennedy stated, "the investment in energy efficient products such as air conditioners, lights and other electrical appliances will ensure that we are doing everything to reduce those costs at the purchasing level."

These two local laws come shortly after the Erie County Legislature passed two Kennedy sponsored resolutions calling for Erie County to invest in renewable energy resources, seek methods in energy conservation, and asses its fleet to reduce environmentally harmful emissions and increase fuel efficiency.

For more information on the two local laws or any other issue, please contact Legislator Kennedy's district office at 824-6180.

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