Saturday, April 14, 2007

AIA Angle: Clinton Introduces Zero Emissions Building Legislation


Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) with AIA Federal Affairs Senior Director Tom Wolfe.

On March 29th, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) introduced S. 1059, the “Zero Emissions Building act of 2007.” The bill tracks closely the AIA’s model legislation for federal buildings that served as the Institute’s principal “ask” during February’s Grassroots Capitol Hill Day.

The bill requires that all new and renovated buildings owned or leased by the federal government reduce fossil fuel energy usage by 50 percent as compared to a 2003 baseline. In 2010, the requirement would increase to a 60 percent reduction and increase by 10 percent every five years until carbon neutrality is reached in 2030.

The AIA worked closely with Clinton’s staff on the bill. Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) has already agreed to cosponsor the legislation, and the AIA is actively seeking additional support. The AIA’s next goal is to have the provision included in the omnibus energy efficiency bill that Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is preparing for hearings and consideration later this spring. The AIA is seeking House introduction as well.

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