In Focus
Election 2024:
Where Candidates for Congress Stand
Maryland
SENATE
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​Mike Scott
Libertarian
U.S. Senate, Maryland
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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There are a thousand ways to "build green" and lower energy and water consumption. Look at Vegas. Some techniques are even transformative. Which means it invites disruption of current industries. Congress can lower taxes and stop picking winners and winning technology. Let the market decide what gets built.
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2. WHICH SUSTAINABLE BUILDING POLICIES DO YOU SUPPORT AND WOULD WORK TO ENACT IF ELECTED?
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I believe other than protecting individuals and the environment from predators, the government's job in industry is to stay out of the way and NOT stifle innovation with unnecessary regulations.
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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?
Shouldn't we first worry about homelessness, massive immigration, and faltering health?
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4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
I plan to work on a complete overhaul of the public education system.
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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?
Yes. There are environmental impacts and new technologies that can be leveraged in order to make things more sustainable. I will promote those technologies and innovations. I will not burden the industry with undue regulations.
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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.)?
I did both minor and major building renovation projects while assigned to Las Vegas. That does not make me an expert on energy efficiency nor consumption. That does, however, mean I know the right people to ask in one of the most austere environments going when it comes to energy and water efficiency.
3rd DISTRICT
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​Robert J Steinberger
Republican
U.S. House, Maryland 3
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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Balancing sustainability recommendations and targets in construction, renovation and maintenance projects with economic impacts. Not to impose severe regulations, but encourage the use of sustainable technologies where and when they make sense with incentives (credits, grants, etc.). As relevant technologies become more affordable, potentially provide further incentives for their use and integration.
2. WHICH SUSTAINABLE BUILDING POLICIES DO YOU SUPPORT AND WOULD WORK TO ENACT IF ELECTED?
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b. Provide rebates to homeowners who invest in energy efficiency improvements
d. Renew and expand tax incentives for energy efficient buildings
f. Provide support to states and localities to make buildings more resilient from natural hazards and disasters
Discuss benchmarking targets/goals for new commercial and federal buildings & renovation projects and encourage cities and states to adopt similar recommendations.
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?
Help drive awareness and understanding of sustainability options as appropriate for all federally related / funded projects, regardless of location
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
Provide funding as available for investment in research and development of products and design related-training focused on energy efficiency
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?
Work with builders (companies) and building associations to better understand the current roadblocks and hurdles faced when considering sustainable design, materials and construction methods on projects (be they new construction or maintenance/upkeep. renovations).
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.)?
Made some energy efficient choices where feasible in constructing our home. Many environmental requirements and considerations went into the design and approval process.
BuildingAction does not endorse candidates in primary or general elections. Nothing in this report should be construed as support or opposition to any candidate. Candidates and parties are listed alphabetically. BuildingAction made every effort to report on candidates’ positions accurately; any mistakes or omissions were inadvertent. Please email info@agoragov.com with any suggested corrections.)