Promoting Smart Building: Passing Laws to Aid Sustainable Development
Written by John Cropper
Now more than ever, Americans understand what it means to live sustainable lifestyles. Whether it's by recycling, using alternative energy or scaling back consumption, they are finding ways in their own households to reduce their impact on the environment.
On a larger scale, state and federal legislatures are getting on board with sustainable development by passing legislation that makes it easier to pursue development with a conscience.
In July of 2007, the New Mexico Legislature passed a bill that greatly promotes sustainable living research and development. The “Sustainable Development Test Site Act,” or HB 269, allows for counties throughout the state to “define a new category of rules” which will apply to approved sustainable development sites. Taos County, for example, has since started to look at how to formulate such rules. According to HB 269, approved sites would be able to conduct “sustainable development research” that might have otherwise violated ordinances that apply to other types of development.
Amy Duke, a business manager for Earthship Biotecture in Taos, has said the company wants to break existing development codes for experimental purposes — like “installing innovative sewage treatment systems, using thin-gauge wire for electric systems and building with unconventional materials such as rammed earth or baled cardboard,” according to the Taos News.
In short, the bill makes it easy for businesses, organizations and homeowners to build smart.
One farm in Clinton County, Ohio is seeking to pursue similar development practices. Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm in Martinsville has contacted State Rep. Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) about enacting similar legislation in Ohio. Peaceful Acres’ Mike and Kym Prell grow a half dozen varieties of lavender on their 20-acre property, and recently received grant funding through the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program to plant one acre of lavender for research purposes. The Prells will research growing conditions for oil-producing lavender, with a goal of future oil production in Ohio.
“Peaceful Acres is extremely excited for the opportunity to become an official lavender research farm,” said Mike. “This will help further our mission of providing education and being a model for sustainable agriculture.”
If the actions of the New Mexico Legislature are any indication, Ohio farmers like the Prells could receive some help from the state to further that mission.
