State government.

Existing law generally regulates energy conservation and efficiency in state buildings, requires that all new public buildings in which energy costs exceed $10,000 per year be models of energy efficiency that are designed, constructed, and equipped with all energy efficiency measures, materials, and devices that are feasible and cost-effective over the life of the building or the life of the energy efficiency measure, and requires that all existing buildings in which energy costs exceed $10,000 per year, when renovated or remodeled, be retrofitted to meet specified standards. This bill would require a state agency, department, or commission, if it is evaluating the construction of a new building or facility, or the transfer or renewal of a lease for a building or facility, to consider as a top priority in making that decision whether a net-zero energy consumption building or facility, also known as an energy-independent building or facility, can be constructed or occupied, as specified.