§ 45 — Heating systems

(a) In accordance with the renewable energy goals set forth in the State Comprehensive Energy Plan, the Agency of Transportation shall strive to meet not less than 35 percent of its thermal energy needs from non-fossil fuel sources by 2025 and 45 percent by 2035.
(1) In order to meet these goals, the Agency will need to use more renewable fuels, such as local wood fuels, to heat its buildings and continue to increase its use of electricity that is generated from renewable sources.
(2) When building new Agency facilities or replacing heating equipment that has reached the end of its useful lifespan, the Agency shall prioritize switching to high-efficiency, advanced heating systems.
(b) On or before October 1 every other year, the Agency shall report to the Department of Buildings and General Services the percentage of the Agency’s thermal energy usage during each of the previous two fiscal years that came from fossil fuels and from non-fossil fuels. The Agency shall report its non-fossil fuel percentage by fuel source and shall identify each type and amount of wood fuel used. (Added 2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. July 1, 2024.)