June 26, 2013
Update: Section 433 Under Renewed Attack
Showdown vote on fossil-fuel free buildings looming on Senate floor
A showdown vote on the Senate floor appears to be looming for Section 433, the landmark energy provision requiring all new federal buildings as well as large-scale renovations of existing buildings to become fossil fuel free by 2030.
According to the ever-resourceful Nick Juliano at E&E Daily, Senator John Hoeven (R, ND) is prepared to introduce an amendment to pending energy conservation legislation sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) that would eliminate Section 433 of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act.
The AIA has threatened to withhold support for the Shaheen-Portman legislation if the Hoeven amendment passes. Elimination of 433 would not only be a huge step backward for green building and renewable energy, but as Edward Mazria of Architecture 2030 has pointed out, tantamount to surrendering on the eve of victory. His organization has issue a statement putting this woefully misguided and thoroughly corrupt effort at repeal into very clear context.
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