GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

S	1 

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 461

Short Title:  Energy Conservation Study/LRC.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Senators Edwards, Plexico, Kerr, and Jordan.
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Referred to:  Appropriations

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March 22, 1995

A JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO CONTINUE TO STUDY WAYS TO PROMOTE ENERGY CONSERVATION AND THE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the Legislative Research Commission was authorized in 1991 to study Ways to Promote the Conservation of Energy and the Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Public Facilities; and
Whereas, this study committee proved to be an excellent forum for different State agencies that have a role in promoting energy conservation, architects and engineers, industry, and environmental groups to present their respective opinions for needed changes and improvements in promoting energy conservation in buildings; and
Whereas, this study committee found that energy conservation can save the State and its citizens substantial sums of money by reducing energy costs and at the same time protect the environment; and
Whereas, the Legislative Research Commission was authorized in 1993 to continue its study of Energy Conservation and Use of Renewable Energy Sources; and
Whereas, this study committee continued to look into energy conservation projects in public buildings that would save substantial sums of money in avoided utility bills; and
Whereas, this study committee also studied alternative transportation fuels and found that the use of these fuels would reduce our dependence on foreign oil as well as serve to reduce toxic air emissions, thereby protecting air quality; and
Whereas, even after four years, there is much work remaining for the study committee to do; and
Whereas, energy conservation remains a largely untapped method of saving money and protecting our natural resources;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission is authorized to study ways to promote energy conservation and the use of renewable sources of energy in North Carolina.  The study committee may address all issues that bear on energy conservation in this State.  In the course of its work, the study committee shall:
(1)	Monitor the conversion of State motor vehicle fleets to alternative fueled vehicles, as required by the federal Energy Policy Act of 1992, 42 U.S.C. § 13201, et seq.
(2)	Monitor other federal legislation related to alternative fuels.
(3)	Receive and review reports from and advise the working group established by the Department of Administration, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation, and the Office of the Governor to plan for the State to meet its alternative fueled vehicles purchasing requirements under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
(4)	Conduct public hearings in the State regarding the use of alternative transportation fuels.
(5)	Serve as a focal point for discussion and proposals leading to the development of North Carolina's public policy on the use of alternative fuels for vehicles and energy conservation in general.
Sec. 2.  The study committee may submit an interim report to the 1996 Regular Session of the 1995 General Assembly.  The study committee shall submit a final report of its recommendations and legislative proposals to the 1997 General Assembly.
Sec. 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.