Construction: housing; ordinance prohibiting the use of energy-efficient appliances in new or existing residential buildings; prohibit local units of government from enacting. Amends sec. 13a of 1972 PA 230 (MCL 125.1513a).
Impact
The implications of SB0084 are significant as it effectively centralizes the authority over building regulations and appliance usage at the state level. Supporters argue that such a move enhances energy efficiency by preventing local restrictions on gas-burning appliances, thus promoting their usage. The bill seeks to standardize practices across the state and potentially streamline the construction and renovation processes for builders by eliminating the possibility of differing local regulations regarding energy-efficient appliance installations.
Summary
Senate Bill 84 (SB0084) aims to amend the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act in the state of Michigan. Specifically, it prohibits local governments from adopting ordinances that restrict the use of gas-burning appliances in new or existing residential and commercial buildings. The bill stipulates that the construction code must include provisions to ensure that certain appliances, which require a continuously burning pilot light for operation, are not installed in buildings. This includes specific definitions and limitations on central furnaces, clothes dryers, and household cooking appliances based on their energy input rates and design specifications.
Contention
However, the bill has been met with contention from various advocacy groups and local officials who believe that it undermines local control. Critics argue that local governments should retain the authority to regulate building codes in a way that fits their specific community needs and environmental policies. The tension revolves around the balance between state-wide regulation intended for uniformity and the rights of local units of government to govern according to their unique circumstances and priorities.
Local government: ordinances; implementation of certain taxes or regulations based on emissions and the climate or other energy-related metrics: prohibit. Creates new act.