8TH DISTRICT

​

Daniel T. Kildee (Incumbent)

Democratic

U.S. House, Michigan 8

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?

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for writing tax policy, using the tax code can be the most effective way to increase efficiency in buildings. I was proud to support the Inflation Reduction Act that included the Home Efficiency Improvement Tax Credit, the Homebuilder Tax Credit and the deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. I support expanding on and improving these provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act.

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?

In Congress, I have worked to secure funding through the FY 2022 and FY 2023 appropriations process to support the work of Saginaw-Shiawassee and Bay County Habitat for Humanity as they help to upgrade the homes of low- and middle-income residents of mid-Michigan, including making them more energy efficient and sustainable. Improving energy efficiency has the added benefit of lowering energy costs for Michigan households. I will continue to use the appropriations process to build more health and sustainable buildings in mid-Michigan.

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 will continue working to build upon the funding we secured in the Inflation Reduction Act for State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants to support residential workforce training, including by providing stipends in support of contractor training and helping small businesses hire more workers to meet growing demand. I will also work to improve upon environmental justice block grant programs I supported to support local environmentally-focused projects, including workforce training.

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?

I am willing to work with anyone, including the building sector, to advance sustainable policies. 

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.)?

Before being elected to Congress, I started a national non-profit organization called the Center for Community Progress that focused on helping communities implement smart land use policies and improving the buildings in their community. I have carried that experience to my work in Congress.