American High-Performance Buildings Coalition Supports Strengthened Green Building Policy in House Appropriations Bill

For Immediate Release
07-11-2013
Contact: Scott Openshaw (202) 249-6504
Email: Scott_Openshaw@AmericanChemistry.com

Washington (July, 11 2013) – Today, the American High-Performance Buildings Coalition (AHPBC), an organization of leading associations representing a wide range of interests in the building and construction industry, stated its support for sustainable building language included in the FY2014 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, which was passed by the House Appropriations Subcommittee yesterday.

The House FY2014 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill includes the following language: “none of the funds made available under this heading may be obligated or expended to implement or use green building rating standards for new construction or prospectus level renovations unless such standards are voluntary consensus standards, as that term is defined in Office of Management and Budget Circular A-119.”

The AHPBC issued the following statement regarding the bill:
“There is a growing concern in Congress over the wide use of green building ratings standards that have a broad influence on the marketplace and taxpayer dollars, yet do not prioritize performance or allow for balanced stakeholder input. There is more work to be done, but today’s House Appropriations Subcommittee bill that requires voluntary consensus green building standards is a significant step towards achieving our national green building goals. Our coalition is encouraged by the ongoing congressional activity to require green building ratings systems to be true, affirmed consensus standards.”