6th DISTRICT

 

​Elizabeth Anderson

Democratic

U.S. House, Alabama 6

 

1.         WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS THAT CONGRESS CAN HELP TO REDUCE THE ENERGY AND WATER CONSUMPTION OF BUILDINGS TO HELP MAKE THEM MORE SUSTAINABLE?

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Congress can reduce the energy and water consumption of buildings by incentivizing green building standards, establishing efficiency standards, supporting research, and promoting renewable energy integration.  The House energy committee (on which my opponent sits) should also conduct public hearings on these matters.

 

2. WHICH SUSTAINABLE BUILDING POLICIES DO YOU SUPPORT AND WOULD WORK TO ENACT IF ELECTED?

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a. Set benchmarking requirements for commercial buildings and encourage cities and states to adopt performance-based standards for buildings

b. Provide rebates to homeowners who invest in energy efficiency improvements

c. Provide incentives to states and localities to adopt the most up-to-date energy building codes

d. Renew and expand tax incentives for energy efficient buildings

e. Require federal buildings to meet aggressive energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets

f. Provide support to states and localities to make buildings more resilient from natural hazards and disasters

h. Conduct research into the most promising technologies, products and materials that improve occupant health and reduce transmission of contagious disease while saving energy

i. Support programs or incentives to accelerate the electrification of buildings.

 

 

3.         IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO ENSURE THAT ALL AMERICANS, REGARDLESS OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, ARE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS?

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Every American can and should benefit from healthier, more sustainable buildings.  As someone who grew up below the poverty line, I know that our low-income communities are hurt the most by lack of access to sustainable buildings, and I am committed to changing that. If elected, I will work to ensure that all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status, benefit from healthy and sustainable buildings by expanding affordable housing programs that incorporate energy-efficient practices and green technologies. I will advocate for equitable building codes that promote sustainability without disproportionately burdening low-income communities and support health-focused building policies that improve indoor air quality and living environments.

 

4.         IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?

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If elected, I will ensure that workers are prepared for clean energy jobs that advance sustainable buildings while protecting those in traditional energy sectors. As we move into a future less reliant on non-renewable energy, we must safeguard the jobs of energy workers who power America and ensure they are prioritized in energy policy decisions. I will advocate for workforce training programs in renewable energy and sustainable building technologies, with targeted retraining for fossil fuel workers, and expand union apprenticeships in green building to create well-paying, secure jobs. Additionally, I will push for policies that incentivize clean energy job creation and collaborate with industry leaders, labor unions, and local governments to develop a just transition that ensures no worker is left behind in the shift toward a sustainable economy.

 

5.         ARE YOU WILLING TO WORK WITH THE BUILDING SECTOR TO MAKE SURE THAT TRANSFORMING BUILDINGS IS PART OF THE POLICY DEBATE IN CONGRESS, INCLUDING JOINING CAUCUSES THAT ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING POLICIES? IF YES, HOW WILL YOU DO THAT?

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Of course.  All voices must be heard during any Congressional debate in Congress, which includes voices in the building sector.  I will work with local governments, industry leaders, and even residents of sustainable buildings to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable buildings, ensuring these policies are a priority in Congress.

 

6.         DO YOU HAVE ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS (E.G., SUPPORTING LEGISLATION IN ELECTED OFFICE, MADE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS TO A HOME, OFFICE, COMMUNITY-WIDE, ETC.)?

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Not at this time, but I would like to learn more.