Today in the Health and Government Operations Committee, MACo Legislative Director Andrea Mansfield testified opposing HB 336, Procurement-State Funds- Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Fixtures. This bill would prohibit State funds from being used to install or replace a permanent outdoor luminaire unless specified energy efficient lighting requirements are met. This bill could limit qualified bidders and place more onerous requirements on the counties, increasing the costs of local contracts funded partially with State dollars.

MACo’s written testimony explains:

Counties have made concerted efforts to be more energy efficient. Many counties have dedicated sustainability offices and all have implemented energy efficient practices. Under current practice, counties have the flexibility to establish procurement preferences while meeting their fiscal goals. Imposing State requirements onto the local procurement process would ultimately limit local flexibility and the number of competitive bids, increasing project costs.

The Legislative Database has information on all of MACo’s 2015 positions.