State Representative Joseph Uecker

House District 66

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    Contact: Stephen Clegg

May 6, 2005                                                                                                (614) 466–8134

Uecker Introduces Energy Bill

COLUMBUS--State Representative Joseph Uecker (R-Loveland) today introduced an energy bill that would require efficient energy use in all state facilities.

The proposed legislation would mandate state facilities to adhere to the standards developed by the Ohio School Facilities Commission for new school construction. The bill would also exhort the Department of Administrative Services to give preference to procuring "energy star" products that meet the energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In times of fiscal constraint, Uecker said, the state has the unique opportunity to save taxpayer dollars by taking advantage of energy-efficient technology.

"It is necessary for the state to provide leadership on the issue of energy efficiency," he said. "By taking steps on this issue now we can institute a public policy that will save resources--both fiscally and substantive--well into the future."

Additionally, the bill would necessitate state universities and colleges that receive capital appropriations for a specific project to use energy efficient designs in that project.

"Higher-education institutions receiving state aid should also strive to take advantage of the savings generated by the efficient use of energy," he added.

During the 124th and 125th General Assembly, the House Select Committee to Study Ohio's Energy Policy was formed to evaluate Ohio's energy resources and to recommend public policy changes to ensure a safe and reliable supply of energy. In their final report, the select committee stated, "The committee believes that energy efficiency is important to the state's economic growth and environmental health."

Uecker hails from the 66th House District where he is currently serving his first term in for the House. Uecker is committed to fiscal responsibility and maintaining Ohio's sound tradition of a great place to work, live and raise a family.

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