Smith, Cantwell Bill Will Help Green Roofs Grow

Press Release

Senators' Bill Will Create Tax Credits to Spur the Growth of Vegetation on American Roofs

Today, Northwest Senators Gordon H. Smith and Maria Cantwell joined to introduce bipartisan legislation that would produce a tax credit to promote the installation of green roofs on residential and commercial property. Green roofs consist of vegetation and soil planted over a waterproof covering that help reduce storm water run-off, decrease energy needs for heating and cooling and absorb air pollutants.

"Green roofs have the potential to produce both economic and environmental benefits for families and businesses," said Smith. "Our bill will encourage the growth of this innovative practice, helping America move one step closer to a greener future."

"The Pacific Northwest is already one of the greenest parts of the country and this bill will help make our roofs green as well," said Cantwell. "While installing a green roof may seem like a small step, these upgrades save energy, filter and absorb pollution, and store carbon. As individuals and businesses continue to look for ways to combat high energy costs and improve the health of their neighborhoods and environment, providing green roof incentives makes sense."

The City of Portland already utilizes green roofs. To date, the city has installed or plans to install over 100 green roofs. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a non-profit organization that promotes green roofs throughout North America, has recently included Eugene in their coalition of American cities that offer training and educational programs to encourage the development of green roofs.

Smith and Cantwell's bill will provide both a residential and commercial tax credit for the installation of green roofs. Residentially, the credit would be 30 percent of the cost of installing a green roof with a cap of $2,000. Commercially, the credit would be 10 percent of the cost of installing a green roof with no cap.

Benefits of Green Roofs:

* During rainstorms, green roofs have proven to act as a sponge, absorbing much of the water that would otherwise run off and potentially flood water drains or contaminate rivers and streams.
* The roofs filter pollution from rainwater by utilizing the vegetation root system's natural filtering processes. This beneficial process increases over time as rooftop plants and root systems mature.
* Absorb air pollution, collect airborne particulates and store carbon.
* Help create healthy living environments that provide habitats for birds, insects and other small animals.
* Reduce outside noise transfer and insulate buildings from high temperatures.

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