14th DISTRICT

​

​Shawn Harris

Democratic

U.S. House, Georgia 14

 

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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Federal incentive programs are a good step. We need to collaborate with the industry to ensure that we are offering the right incentives which could be anything from appliance standards, new research based technology availability and energy efficiency improvement financing.

 

 

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

 

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

g. Invest in the retrofitting of schools, community centers, libraries and other civic buildings to improve occupant safety and reduce energy consumption, especially in underserved communities

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?

 

Not enough time is given to environmental justice. No one's zip code should dtermine their health. We need to ensure buildings in disadvantaged areas are tested for pollutants and have the funds to be rehabbed in every way necessary. There are developers willing to do this work with some help from the federal government. We need to establish a strong enviromental justice program when it comes to housing.

 

 

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

 

High paying, generational jobs is one of my top priorities. I have two solar panel factories i my district and there's room to expand. As a farmer, I understand the benefits of solar and wind power. There are many opportunities within the agriculture community to expand these energy sources. Part of my jobs plan includes working with the skilled trades apprecenticeship programs to be sure we are training people today for these opportunities.

 

 

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?

 

Certainly. I look forward to learning more from the building sector about what needs to be done and the priorities my office should consider. My only caveat to caucuses is that I will only be joining those who do more than talk. I'm coming to Congress to get things done so I expect any caucus I'm a part of to be taking action.

 

 

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.)?

 

No - this work was not the focus of my military career and I've never run for office before. As a farmer, we are always looking at ways to protect our land and the environment but that's the majority of my work in this area.