SB 25‑182 — Embodied Carbon Reduction (Governor Signed)
Status: Governor Signed (2025-05-28)
Introduced: 2025-02-26 (Senate)
Classification: Bill
Summary (confirmed information)
SB 25‑182, titled "Embodied Carbon Reduction," was introduced in the Senate on February 26, 2025, and was enacted into law when signed by the Governor on May 28, 2025. The bill moved through Transportation & Energy and Appropriations committees in the Senate, was amended in the Senate, and subsequently passed both chambers. The House considered the bill in the Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee and passed it on third reading without further amendments.
Sponsors include multiple lawmakers across both chambers; primary sponsors listed include Matt Ball, Cleave Simpson, Ron Weinberg, and Kyle Brown, with numerous cosponsors from both parties.
Purpose and intent (based on title and legislative context)
While the full bill text is not included here, the title — "Embodied Carbon Reduction" — indicates the law is intended to reduce embodied carbon in the built environment. Embodied carbon refers to greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacture, transport, construction, maintenance, and disposal of building materials and infrastructure (distinct from operational emissions).
The bill’s policy goal is likely to lower lifecycle emissions from public and/or private construction by setting standards, reporting requirements, procurement preferences, or incentives for low‑carbon materials and practices.
Likely key provisions (text not provided — typical elements)
Because the actual bill language is not included in the materials supplied, the following are common provisions found in embodied‑carbon legislation and are likely relevant to SB 25‑182:
- Require life‑cycle assessment (LCA) or whole‑building embodied carbon reporting for state‑funded construction projects over a specified cost or square‑foot threshold.
- Establish embodied carbon performance targets or maximum Global Warming Potential (GWP) limits for certain building elements (e.g., concrete, steel, mass timber).
- Direct state procurement agencies to give preference to low‑embodied‑carbon materials or suppliers, or include embodied carbon as an evaluation factor in bidding.
- Create reporting and transparency requirements (public registry or database of embodied carbon metrics).
- Provide technical guidance, tools, and training for designers, contractors, and state agencies.
- Create grant, incentive, or pilot‑project programs to support low‑carbon materials and market development.
- Assign implementation, rulemaking, and enforcement responsibilities to a state agency (e.g., Department of Transportation; Department of Public Health & Environment; or an energy/environment agency).
Who would be affected
- State agencies that fund, design, or procure construction and infrastructure (likely subject to new reporting/standards).
- Architects, engineers, contractors, and material suppliers involved in public projects.
- Potential downstream impacts on private developers and owners if standards are later adopted more broadly.
- Manufacturers of construction materials (incentive to reduce material GWP).
Procedural / timeline notes
- Senate: Introduced 2025‑02‑26 → committee referrals and amendment → passed Senate (with amendments on 2025‑04‑15) → final Senate passage 2025‑04‑17.
- House: Introduced to Transportation, Housing & Local Government 2025‑04‑17 → committee referral 2025‑04‑22 → passed House (no amendments) 2025‑04‑25.
- Sent to Governor: 2025‑05‑02; Governor signed: 2025‑05‑28.
Next steps for readers
- Review the enacted bill text and the fiscal note for exact requirements, thresholds, timelines, affected agencies, and estimated costs/savings (available from the legislative website or the bill sponsor).
- If you are a project owner, contractor, or materials supplier, consult the implementing agency for guidance and compliance timelines once rules are issued.
