Page 63 - Green Builder Magazine March-April 2018 Issue

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CODE ARENA

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The Latest Rules, Regulations and Codes Impacting Sustainable Construction ranging from 950 gallons per day (gpd) to 3,000 gpd. Permit fees H.R. 4525. However, this bill may need more support, because it’s been
mired in the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee
are now set at $500.
Based on the passage of SB 6091, the Whatcom County Council on Water, Power and Oceans for almost two months. This legislative
voted 6-1 in favor of temporarily lifting its building permit effort was likely inspired by the prolific and devastating hurricane
moratorium. According to the Bellingham Herald, “that measure, season of 2017, though its positive effect would be felt throughout
and another one that would extend those temporary measures for the year. GB
six months…would allow the county to work on permanent land-
use rules.” Links:
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1. http://bit.ly/2EJKWUA (SB 6091)
U.S. CONGRESS 2. http://bit.ly/2EXdhGc (“Legislature passes $4 billion construction budget,
The Living Shorelines Act (H.R. 4525) was introduced in the water rights bill.” The Bellingham Herald)
House of Representatives in early December 2017. The goal of 3. http://bit.ly/2Flsj68 (“Following state measure, Whatcom lifts restrictions
the legislation is to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric on building that relies on wells.” The Bellingham Herald)
Administration (NOAA) to make grants to states and local 4. http://bit.ly/2BIDK8x (H.R. 4525)
governments, and NGOs to carry out large- and small-scale, climate-
resilient shoreline stabilization projects through the innovative use Mike Collignon is the executive director and co-founder of the
of natural materials. Green Builder Coalition.
®
Projects would need to “take into account historic flooding and
projected flooding, climate change, erosion, the value of properties COURTESY OF
in the community and ecological benefits of a proposed project.”
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The proposed legislation calls for $20 million annually for six years, The Green Builder®Coalition
starting this year. Any grant funds issued would, at a maximum, be The Green Builder®Coalition is a not-for-profit association dedicated

50 percent matching funds. Any grant recipient would be required to amplifying the voice of green builders and professionals, driving
to publish the results by the end of 2022. advocacy and education for more sustainable homebuilding
The American Society of Landscape Architects, The Nature
Conservancy and Restore America’s Estuaries, among others, support practices. For more information, visit GreenBuilderCoalition.org

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