HR-2126 : Still Just a Bill


Better Buildings Act of 2013 - Requires the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to develop and publish model leasing provisions for use in leasing documents that designate a federal agency as a landlord or tenant to encourage building owners and tenants to invest in cost-effective energy efficiency measures.

Requires the Administrator to: (1) develop policies and best practices to implement such measures for the realty services provided by the Administrator to federal agencies, including periodic training of federal employees and contractors on how to identify and evaluate such measures; and (2) make available such model leasing provisions and best practices to state, county, and municipal governments that manage owned and leased building space to encourage investment in such energy efficiency measures.

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Department of Energy's (DOE) Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to study the feasibility of: (1) significantly improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings through the design and construction of separate spaces with high-performance energy efficiency measures, and (2) encouraging owners and tenants to implement such measures in separate spaces. Requires the Secretary to publish such study on DOE's website.

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a voluntary Tenant Star program within the Energy Star program to recognize tenants in commercial buildings that voluntarily achieve high levels of energy efficiency in separate spaces. Requires the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to collect data on categories of building occupancy that consume significant quantities of energy and on other aspects of the property, building operation, or building occupancy determined to be relevant to lowering energy consumption. Prohibits the impact on climate change from being a factor in determining energy efficiency of commercial building tenants.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2014-03-06IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Senate
2014-03-05FloorThe title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2014-03-05VoteOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 375 - 36 (Roll no. 98). (text: CR 3/4/2014 H2115-2119)House floor actions
2014-03-05FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2177-2178)House floor actions
2014-03-04FloorAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
2014-03-04FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2126.House floor actions
2014-03-04FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2115-2122)House floor actions
2014-03-04FloorMr. Whitfield moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
2014-02-28CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 277.House floor actions
2014-02-28CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 113-371.House floor actions
2014-01-28CommitteeOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.House committee actions
2014-01-28CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2014-01-27CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2013-05-24CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.House committee actions
2013-05-23IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions
2013-05-23IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Energy
Related Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Building construction
  • Congressional oversight
  • Energy efficiency and conservation
  • Environmental technology
  • Government buildings, facilities, and property
  • Government information and archives
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Industrial facilities
  • Lighting, heating, cooling
  • Performance measurement
  • Public contracts and procurement
  • Public utilities and utility rates
  • Real estate business
  • Water use and supply
  • Materials
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations
  • General Services Administration

Related Bills

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