(A)(1) There is established the Energy Independence and Sustainable Construction Advisory Committee. The committee shall consist of thirteen members, ten of which shall be appointed by the Governor for terms of four years until their successors are appointed and qualified. The committee shall be composed of the following:

(a) the State Engineer, or his designee, who shall serve as chairman;

(b) the Director of the State Energy Office, or his designee;

(c) the Director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, or his designee;

(d) one member recommended by the Association of General Contractors;

(e) two members recommended by the Commission on Higher Education, one of which shall be appointed from either a research university or a comprehensive teaching institution and one of which shall be appointed from either a regional two-year campus of the University of South Carolina or a technical college;

(f) one member recommended by the South Carolina Manufacturer's Alliance;

(g) one member recommended by the American Chemistry Council;

(h) one member recommended by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects;

(i) one member recommended by the South Carolina Forestry Association;

(j) one member recommended by the South Carolina Council of Engineering and Surveying Societies;

(k) one member recommended by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers; and

(l) one member recommended by the conservation community.

(2) When making appointments to the committee, the Governor shall appoint members that have subject area expertise related to the design, engineering, construction, operation, maintenance, management, energy management, or growing or manufacturing products used in major facility projects certified under this article.

(B)(1) The committee shall:

(a) review and analyze all rating systems referred to it by the board pursuant to Section 48-52-825;

(b) closely monitor the development of new rating systems, or updates to existing rating systems, to expedite review and analysis of the new or updated rating systems pursuant to subitem (a);

(c) review and analyze rating systems in use concerning the rating systems' effectiveness in meeting the goals set forth in Section 48-52-820;

(d) make recommendations to the State Engineer concerning the promulgation of regulations concerning rating systems referred to it by the board pursuant to Section 48-52-825;

(e) report to the board concerning the effectiveness of current rating systems in meeting the goals set forth in Section 48-52-820; and

(f) develop and implement a methodology by which the cost-benefit ratio of the rating systems may be measured so that the State may consider the return on its investment for projects subject to this chapter.

(2) The committee shall make recommendations to the board concerning the promulgation of regulations relating to rating systems referred to it by the board pursuant to Section 48-52-825 no later than thirty days after the referral. The thirty day review time shall commence on the day of referral.

(C)(1) The committee shall meet as soon as practicable after being referred new rating systems pursuant to Section 48-52-820.

(2) Except as provided in item (1), the committee shall meet quarterly, or more frequently as necessary upon the call of the chair or a majority of the membership.

(3) Seven members constitutes a quorum to transact committee business.

(D) Vacancies on the committee shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment.

(E) Members of the committee shall not receive per diem, mileage, and subsistence as provided by law for members of boards, commissions, and committees.

HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 150 (H.3592), Section 2, eff April 7, 2014.