Connecticut House Bill HB05815

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Encouraging Contractors To Use Environmentally Sustainable Materials And Building Practices.

Impact

The impact of HB 5815, if passed, would be twofold: it would support contractors who adopt environmentally friendly methods and materials while potentially lowering the costs of licensing for these practices. This could lead to increased adoption of sustainable building techniques across the state, benefiting the environment and fostering a growing industry focused on sustainability. Legislators and environmental advocates are likely to view this bill favorably, as it aligns with ongoing efforts to combat climate change and promote a greener economy.

Summary

House Bill 5815 aims to encourage the use of environmentally sustainable materials and building practices among contractors. The bill proposes amending general statutes to reduce licensing fees for contractors who meet a minimum percentage of utilizing sustainable materials. This initiative is a step towards promoting environmentally considerate construction practices within the state, aligning with broader goals of environmental protection and sustainability.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention with respect to how ‘environmentally sustainable materials’ are defined and measured. There could be debates on the extent of the percentage required for contractors to qualify for reduced fees and whether such measures could unintentionally favor larger contractors over smaller ones. Furthermore, stakeholders may raise questions about the effectiveness of fee reductions as a true incentive for adopting sustainable practices without accompanying regulations or guidelines.