SACRAMENTO – Today Governor Schwarzenegger announced his veto of AB 35, authored by Assemblymember Ira Ruskin (D- Los Altos) – legislation to make California state buildings “green.” AB 35 would have required that all buildings owned by or built for the state which are constructed after 2010 be built and operated according to green building practices, setting US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold level as a minimum.  AB 35 passed the Legislature on September 12, 2007, garnering Republican votes in both the Senate and the Assembly.  

“AB 35 would have saved taxpayer dollars and combated global warming.  We have the technology now to build green buildings, creating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and increases in resource conservation.  Additionally, the state would have seen a return on its investment in reduced operating costs,” Assemblymember Ruskin stated.  “My bill was an ideal way to make headway on the goals set forth in the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), signed by the Governor last year, while improving the state’s financial woes.”

AB 35 would have significantly reduced the more than $600 million the state spends annually on operating costs for its buildings.  Several Silicon Valley private sector companies have already realized benefits from building and operating their “green” facilities.  Software giant Adobe is one of the first companies to receive LEED certification, platinum level, for its headquarters in San Jose.  Adobe has reported financial and environmental benefits from these practices.  Adobe has reduced its operating costs by more than $150,000 per year at their facilities in San Jose alone.

“California must do all it can to combat global warming and set an example for the nation.  Green buildings will have to be an important component of reducing the emissions in our state.  I will continue to work for green building standards in California and to enhance California’s leadership in the fight against global warming,” Assemblymember Ruskin pledged.