WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 13, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Representatives Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) last week re-introduced H.R. 1273, the Energy Savings and Building Efficiency Act of 2015, to increase transparency and cost-effectiveness in the development of model energy codes, which set the baseline for energy efficiency in buildings.
“I am pleased to once again be working with Congressman Schrader in this bipartisan effort to increase government transparency and rein in the Department of Energy (DOE). This legislation clearly defines what technical assistance DOE can provide in developing new model energy codes and guarantees that certain products and technologies are not given preferential treatment,” Blackburn said. “This legislation promotes the development of efficiency targets for buildings that strike the proper cost-benefit balance, ensuring that home owners and builders are not burdened by unreasonable regulations.”
“Promoting energy efficient building is a forward-thinking policy, but we need to approach it in a way that doesn’t put the federal government and businesses and homeowners at odds with one another,” said Congressman Schrader. “The Energy Savings and Building Efficiency Act fulfills this goal, while protecting the environment and saving money over time. It’s a commonsense solution and I am glad to team up with Rep. Blackburn to reintroduce this legislation and move it forward through Congress.”
“Our clients are interested in energy efficiency, but they deserve to know exactly what they are paying for,” said Ed Zarb, President of Zarb Homes based in Knoxville, TN.“No one should be forced to use expensive materials that they cannot afford. This bill will ensure that the Department of Energy is working on behalf of the home buyer and it will curtail the influence of outside groups that seek to advance energy code proposals with little regard to the costs for home owners and home builders.”
John Floyd, Principal of Ole South Properties in Nashville, TN praised Blackburn and Schrader for their efforts stating: “This bill will help ensure that new homes become increasingly energy efficient, but not at a pace that the market cannot bear. Our buyers want to be assured that the additional cost comes with a reasonable payback so they can recoup the money they spent.”
Mike Reynard (202-225-1112)
