Dec 15 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Tim Preston The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.

For years, Kentucky House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins has been saying Kentucky can be considered a national model for energy reform. A recent vote by a national panel of The Council of State Goverments proves he was correct.

A law sponsored by Adkins, and recently signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear, has been adopted as model energy legislation by the Suggested State Legislation Committee of The Council of State Governments.

The committee met last week in Omaha, Nebraska, and adopted Adkins' House Bill 2.

"It is a great honor for Kentucky to receive this," Adkins said Friday, citing bi-partisan efforts in Kentucky to reach the energy agreement. "I think this proves we're on the forefront."

Among other things, HB2 establishes high-performance building standards and time frames for state-funded construction, appoints a High-performance Buildings Advisory Committee and provides Residential Energy Efficiency Income Tax Credits for a percentage of installed costs of upgraded insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, geothermal technology, heating and cooling systems.

Other features of HB2 include assistance for boards of education conserve more of their funding for instructional and other purposes by requiring enrollment in a state Energy Efficiency Program offered by a public university in the state and direction for the state public service commission to consider next-generation residential utility meters when reviewing utility demand management plans.

Considering the president elect's stated intention to improve the nation's energy programs, Adkins said he expects many states will follow Kentucky's lead.

"I think they're going to take it awfully seriously," Adkins said, later adding Kentucky could benefit tremendously if aspects of the bill are included as part of a stimulus package aimed at energy efficiency, new construction technology and "green" building technology.

CSG officials considered more than 100 plans from various states before approving Kentucky's energy program, Adkins said.

"We are in the position to be the national leaders. Kentucky, without question, is the most progressive and furthest out in front of the energy arena and to have them recognize that proves it," Adkins said.

CSG annually publishes model legislation from state legislatures that address current challenges to state governments, such as energy and education affordability.

A national panel of state policymakers from across the nation vote on which laws would most benefit other states. More than 500 state government officials from all three branches of government, and more than 40 states, attended the annual conference.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.

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