| The Smart Tracks for Exceptional Performers and Upward |
| Performers Program, known as "the STEP-UP Program" and referred |
| to in this section as "the program," is established within the |
| department and administered by the commissioner.__In cooperation |
| with program participants, the department shall establish |
| guidelines for the program.__The department shall create a |
| contractual relationship between the commissioner and state |
| organizations and businesses to achieve sustainability |
| objectives, including energy and natural resources conservation.__ |
| For the purposes of the program, "sustainability" means meeting |
| the needs of the present without compromising the ability of |
| future generations to meet their needs.__The program must include |
| a variety of sustainability tracks and goals and must be |
| publicized at local and state levels.__Beginning January 2006 and |
| biennially thereafter, the department shall report to the joint |
| standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over |
| natural resources matters on the status of the program, progress |
| toward meeting goals and recommended changes to improve the |
| program. |
