Washington State Delays Building Energy Mandates

SEATTLE—Washington state's new energy efficiency building standards were to become effective July 1, but have been delayed by at least three months. Earlier this month, the governor asked the State Building Code Council for a nine-month delay. She said it was needed to help the construction industry stabilize. The council responded by delaying the new building energy code by three months and will consider this fall whether a delay of nine months is needed after holding public hearings. The Building Industry Association of Washington sued the state in U.S. District Court in May, saying the standards exceed federal requirements. Read more