NC Senate delays vote on energy code rollback
NC Senate delays vote on energy-efficiency rollback for commercial builders until next week
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- A vote on a bill rolling back energy-efficiency standards for commercial builders has been delayed in the North Carolina Senate.
The Senate on Wednesday moved the vote on a bill repealing 2012 standards until next week. Rules Chairman Sen. Tom Apodaca of Hendersonville gave no reason on the floor for his motion.
Supporters say moving to 2009's standards will help boost construction and jobs by reducing the added expenses needed to comply with tougher rules. Those standards raise efficiency by 30 percent.
Critics argue the bill would jeopardize long-term energy savings for limited gains and harm producers of efficient building materials. Legislative staff members say an Appalachian State University study shows more than twice the level of energy savings than added construction costs from the newer standards over 30 years.
