U.S. Reps. Smith, Blumenauer and Lewis Call for Sustainable Development in Housing

U.S. Reps. Smith, Blumenauer and Lewis Call for Sustainable Development in Housing
December 16, 2005

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and John Lewis (D-GA), along with 18 co-sponsors, introduced the High Performance Buildings (HPB) Act of 2005. The legislation is aimed at helping millions of families living in affordable housing units. The bill encourages communities to include sustainable development in their strategic housing plans and provides grants to non-profit organizations that increase sustainable development capacity in low-income communities. It also establishes an institute at the National Science Foundation to research indoor environmental quality and its effect on health and productivity, as well as to encourage the development and deployment of innovative energy-saving techniques.

"I have long been a proponent of incorporating new technologies and innovative ideas to improve the daily lives of Americans," said Smith. "This bill provides the incentives to study the impact of sustainable development models and how these techniques can improve the quality of life for millions of American families. This bill also has the added benefit of creating more energy efficient construction which will reduce our nation's energy dependence by encouraging innovation in building technologies."

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http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/wa09_smith/morenews/20051216pr.html