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1.111.1 T-4. FNEAWY CONSEkVATION AND PRODUCTION (C) (cont'd) <br />a. The legislature should provide additional funds or the ability to <br />special levy for conducting; district heating feasibility studies at the <br />community Ieve I; <br />b. The legislature should strongly encourage consideration of district <br />heating potential in the power plant siting process. <br />c. The legislature should continue to allow use of State District Heating <br />Bond Program for renovation of cr.isting district heating systems. <br />d. Repayment of state bond issues would follow repayment of local <br />obligations. <br />1. Low any, Moderatt Income Energy Assistance. Rising energy costs will <br />continue to place a burden on the economic vitality of communities in Minnesota. <br />The League recommends: <br />a) continuation of the fuel assistance program for low-income house holds, <br />with expanded services to train recipients in energy conservation practices and <br />with a requirement of recipient participation in weatherization programs if the <br />rec.`.aient is the owner; <br />b) sup, -art for weatherization programs operated thrcug;ii cities, counties <br />and CAP agencies, and; <br />c) cont:nued support for the hHFA loan and grant program for home <br />weatherization. <br />4. Conservation and Renewable Energ,• Financing. Declining federal support <br />for implementing conservation and renewable resource projects will place a <br />significant burden on local government attempts to maintain vital services to <br />their residents and promote community development. The League recommends that <br />cities be allowed to bond and to make a special levy for energy conservation and <br />renewable resource projects. The legislature should also cer.tinue to encourage <br />private sector conservation through tax credits and other incentives and should <br />explore the possibility of expanding incentives for earth sheltered and <br />underground development. <br />5. Local Regulatory Authority. Local governments are in the hest position <br />to assess local needs and regulate energy consumption within their communities. <br />The League recommends y,iving any municipality the option to adopt and enforce an <br />energy code that may be more stringent than the state building code for purposes <br />of energy conservation. <br />-31- <br />