Victory in the News

'Green' building may become the law

Legislation and utility policy put state on efficiency path

In their high-profile campaign against climate change, California lawmakers have set goals for curbing carbon emissions from cars, factories and power plants -- and now they are taking aim at homes and offices.

"Studies show that buildings, like the ones you and I sit in, are responsible for 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions," said Assemblyman Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, by telephone Monday.

Adam Dondro, legislative aide to Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, said: "It's a huge piece that needs to be addressed."

Laird and Lieu co-wrote legislation this year to establish statewide building regulations that would help create new tracts of energy-efficient homes, beginning in 2013. The legislation, Assembly Bill 1058, would direct the state Department of Housing and Community Development to write new building codes that require efficient homes.

Lieu also wrote Assembly Bill 888 to require efficient commercial buildings starting in 2013 as well.

Governor appoints Colorado's first openly gay district judge

September 18, 2007

David Brett Woods will become Colorado's first openly gay district court judge.

Though one liberal-leaning blog, coloradopols.com, reported that Woods is the first openly gay district court judge and views his accomplishment as an important milestone, Woods said Monday his sexual orientation shouldn't matter, and it won't influence his decisions on the bench.

"To me, it's not particularly news," Woods said. "It's never been an issue before. It's not going to be an issue. I follow the law."