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The Alliance to Save Energy recently worked to defeat an amendment to the HOPE VI Reauthorization and Improvement bill, H.R. 2534, which would have deleted language requiring new HOPE VI low income developments to meet “Green Communities” criteria for residential buildings. The language, originally crafted by Congressman John Olver (D-MA), takes a major step toward bringing energy efficient housing to low income American families.
On Thursday, January 17th the U.S. House of Representatives defeated an amendment offered by Congresswoman Shelley Capito (R-WV) which would have eliminated green building requirements in the HOPE VI Reauthorization and Improvement bill. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 169-240 after a lobbying effort by a diverse coalition of organizations including the Alliance to Save Energy. Following the defeat of the Capito amendment, the House proceeded to approve the reauthorization bill.
The HOPE VI Program was developed as a result of recommendations by the National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing, which was charged with proposing a National Action Plan to eradicate severely distressed public housing. The Commission recommended revitalization in three general areas: physical improvements, management improvements, and social and community services to address resident needs.
Green design and energy efficient practices create healthier environments for the low income residents of HOPE VI developments. HUD’s current energy efficient standards for the HOPE VI program are voluntary and do little to encourage energy efficiency or green building. For example, under the current selection criteria for HOPE VI projects, HUD awards just one point for the use of Energy Star products, out a total of 125 points. HOPE VI projects are well suited to incorporate mandatory green development criteria because the projects are typically large, which enable efficiencies and economies of scale.
The Alliance worked closely with Congressman Olver, who sponsored the green communities provision, and with more than thirty national housing, environmental and public health organizations to defeat the Capito amendment. Olver lauded the outcome as a major victory for energy efficiency in low income housing.
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