Update: Rep. Wolkins withdrew HB 1235 from the committee agenda this morning and indicated that it was not likely it would re-scheduled.

Editor's note: I don't know where this proposed legislation came  from, i.e. who requested or might have suggested to Rep. David Wolkins (R-Winona Lake) to introduce it BUT there is a reference to the concept of Climate Accountability Act on the website of  the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Unfortunately, I was unable to access this website because further information is restricted to ALEC members. I think it is a good bet that Rep. Wolkins is an ALEC member and that HB 1235 might be modeled after the ALEC Climate Accountability Act. We will find out shortly. Laura Ann Arnold

Posting Time: 01/25/2011 01:30 PM
 
Agenda for: House Environmental Affairs Committee
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
10:30 AM EST
Room 156-C State House, Indianapolis, IN
 
Watch video from the House Conference Room 156c

Chairman : Wolkins
Vice-Chair : Morris
Members :
Dodge, Eberhart, Friend, Lutz, Neese, VanNatter.
Dvorak R.M.M., Candelaria Reardon, Pierce, Stevenson, Sullivan.
 
Hearing :
 
HB 1187 Manure storage structures. (Davis Friend)
 
HB 1235 Climate expenditure accountability. (Author: Wolkins)
 
Synopsis: Climate expenditure accountability. Provides that if a
contract to which a state agency is a party includes a climate
expenditure, the contract must: (1) set forth: (A) the total cost of the
climate expenditure; (B) the amount, in metric tons, of the reduction in
carbon dioxide equivalent intended to be achieved through the climate
expenditure; and (C) the cost per metric ton of the reduction in carbon
dioxide equivalent intended to be achieved through the climate
expenditure; and (2) include a provision requiring the contractor, if not
in compliance with performance standards for the cost per metric ton
of the reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent intended to be achieved
through the climate expenditure, to: (A) provide certified carbon offsets
equal to the difference between the intended carbon dioxide equivalent
reduction set forth in the contract and the actual carbon dioxide
equivalent reduction achieved; or (B) refund a portion of the funds the
contractor received under the contract so that the cost per metric ton of
the actual carbon dioxide equivalent reduction achieved equals the cost
per metric ton of the reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent intended
to be achieved through the climate expenditure, as set forth in the
contract. Requires the office of management and budget to audit these
contracts to ensure that contractors meet performance standards for the
cost per metric ton of the reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent
intended to be achieved through the expenditure of state funds.
Requires a state agency that is a party to a climate expenditure contract
to provide semiannual reports to the office of management and budget
and the general assembly outlining the contractor's performance under
the contract.