Energy Choice Resolution, Natural Gas

Prior to task force meetings, ALEC posts these legislative member-submitted draft model policies to our website. The draft model policies are then discussed, debated, and voted on by ALEC task force members. Policies that receive final approval by legislators on the ALEC Board of Directors become official ALEC model policy. Draft model policies that fail to become official ALEC model policy are removed from the website.

Summary

This resolution recognizes and supports the value of natural gas to the economy and environment.

Energy Choice Resolution, Natural Gas

RESOLUTION RE: EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT FOR USE OF PROPANE AND NATURAL GAS IN NEW RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN _________COUNTY AND SETTING OF CODE ORDINANCE READING SCHEDULE TO AMEND___________ COUNTY CODE SECTION___________

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of _____ County, ________, pursuant to state statute is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of _____County, and

WHEREAS, propane has been listed as a clean fuel by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Clean Air Act, and

WHEREAS, propane is the cleanest burning of all the fossil fuels, and

WHEREAS, propane is nontoxic and, therefore, is safe for soil and groundwater, and

WHEREAS, propane and natural gas are some of the most cost-effective fuel sources, burning more efficiently than any other available heating alternative, and

WHEREAS, limiting consumer choice on natural gas fuels and propane costs will increase the average utility bill and will hurt our neighbors who need affordable energy, and

WHEREAS, limiting consumer choice on natural gas and propane fuels will hurt businesses and restaurants which will have to pass along higher fuel costs to the consumer, and

WHEREAS, limiting or prohibiting the installation of new residential or commercial building any system or appliance that uses natural gas or propane for cooking, hot water, space heating or electrical gas generation will increase the load to the electric grid, potentially making it unstable and causing increased electric costs, and

WHEREAS, after review, the Board desires to express its support for use of propane and natural gas in new residential and commercial building in Weld County and wishes to set a schedule to amend _________ County Code Section __________ by adding to the _________ International Fuel Gas Code the following language as a new section stating________ County will not limit or prohibit the installation in new residential or commercial building any system or appliance that uses natural gas or propane for cooking, hot water, space heating or electrical gas generation or otherwise limit a building owner’s ability to use or install a system or appliance that runs on natural gas or propane.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of _______ County, ________, that the Board hereby expresses its support for use of propane and natural gas in new residential and commercial building in ________ County.