AIA opposes legislation that guts energy conservation goals in federal buildings

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has issued the following statement on the mark-up of energy legislation before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The committee voted to gut a key energy conservation regulation of the Energy Independence and Security Act – one that would have set goals for reducing fossil fuel use in new and renovated federal buildings by 2030.

“We are disappointed that the Committee voted to repeal Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act. Repealing this provision undermines good public policy, a policy that makes sense especially to taxpayers who want to curb government spending and keep taxes in check, says AIA President Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA.

“The AIA stands ready to support legislation that keeps energy conservation goals for the federal government and positions the United States as a leader globally in conserving resources. But we will continue to oppose legislation that only encourages use of fossil fuels at great cost to the environment.”