Governor Peter Shumlin and other Vermont officials say a proposed new loan fund will promote energy efficiency in state buildings.
Officials say the goal is to reduce annual energy usage by at least 5 percent in state facilities.
Shumlin says the loan fund will help the state leverage its energy efficiency investments and save money, while also lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
He says the current energy bill for state facilities is about $14 million a year.
Officials say the proposed legislation would allow the state Treasurer's Office to invest up to $8 million for loans to upgrade buildings with cost-effective energy improvements. Officials say older facilities not at Energy Star standards are the priority for receiving these loans.
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