Letter Urges Lawmakers to Keep Section 433 of Energy Independence and Security Act, Not "Bolster Bottom Line of Fossil Fuel Interests."

Washington, D.C. - October 27, 2016 - The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and nearly 600 businesses from across the country today urged Congressional representatives to reject special interest efforts to repeal the law setting goals for cutting fossil fuel use in federal buildings by 2030.

In a letter sent Thursday to members of the Energy Conference Committee working to reconcile House and Senate Energy legislation, the businesses wrote that retaining Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act "is not only environmentally responsible but also fiscally prudent over the decades-long service life of a federal building."

"Lowered operational expenses for highly efficient buildings have the potential to save the taxpayer millions of dollars over the course of a building's life cycle," the letter continues. But the effort to repeal Section 433 "serves to bolster the bottom line of fossil fuel interests at the expense of the federal government's commitment to a more sustainable energy future."

Contrary to what fossil fuel interests have been telling lawmakers, the Obama Administration is already on the record as opposing repeal of Section 433 contained in the House energy bill, the letter continues. "Producing a final piece of legislation which could risk a White House veto would jeopardize the important work done on this issue over the past months and years," the letter concludes.

A full text of the October 26 letter can be found here.

About The American Institute of Architects

Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit  www.aia.org.

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John Schneidawind
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