Missouri getting into "green" effort

The end of this month, August 28, 2008, signifies a monumental event. The state of Missouri will finally get on the map for updating its standards to be more GREEN. Senate Bill 1181 is an act that “modifies and creates provisions regarding energy regulation.”

First, SB 1181 made all energy standards in our state more stringent. Also, this important bill requires many changes throughout our state including the requirement of any state building over 5,000 square feet under construction, or significant renovation, to comply with the minimum energy efficiency standard…imagine!

SB 1181 also allows for an income tax deduction for either the cost of a home energy audit, the implementation of recommendations of an energy audit, or for both services. This deduction is limited to $1,000/taxpayer/year, up to $2,000/taxpayer cumulative lifetime total. This deduction expires Dec. 31, 2013. (An energy audit is conducted by a certified auditor. They analyze your home for energy efficiency and make recommendations for improvement based on the audit.)

Our schools will also be involved by being cleaned more GREENly (I think I made up that word!). The Department of Education along with the Department of Health will establish guidelines for green cleaning programs and environmentally-sensitive cleaning product specifications. These guidelines will be distributed to school districts and posted on their web site.

This wonderful act also requires several branches of our state government, (briefly described as the Departments of Labor, Education, Agriculture, Economic Development, and Natural Resources) to meet twice a year to discuss ways to secure federal grants.

“These grants would fund: green jobs, the production of renewable fuels, increasing energy efficiency of products, buildings and vehicles, and increasing research & development for manufacturing of renewable energy technologies.” 

This group of Departments shall report to the General Assembly and the governor each year regarding any grants that have been secured under this act. Can you even imagine!

Among a few other more technical items the act also creates a “Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday.”  (No, I didn’t make that name up!)

Beginning in 2009 and every year after that, between April 19 and April 25, all sales of Energy Star certified new appliances will be state sales tax exempt! Wow, now that’s pretty cool and helps you directly in your pocketbook!

It’s nice to see that the Show Me State is finally getting on the GREEN wagon and making improvements for our environment and our future!