1st DISTRICT

​

​Monica Tranel

Democratic

U.S. House, Montana 1

 

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 boost building sustainability by extending tax credits for energy upgrades, supporting renewable energy integration, recommending updates to building codes, providing for water-efficient fixtures, and funding R&D. Additionally, facilitating retrofits, promoting green certifications, funding workforce training, and enhancing federal building standards can be helpful. Supporting state and local initiatives will further amplify these efforts and adapt them to the unique environment of each state to further reduce energy and water consumption.

 

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

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.

 

Other: On (a),  I would support it as long it's implemented in a way that does not raise housing costs.

 

 

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?

 

One of my top priorities if elected is to expand the availability of affordable, quality, and sustainable housing. My housing plan (monicatranel.com/full-housing-plan) discusses the need for stronger federal incentives to reduce the environmental impacts of building new housing as linked to programs such as first-time homebuyer tax credits. I support similar measures where needed for commercial buildings in addition to homes.

 

 

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

 

We must be strategic to develop the energy resilience, freedom, and security in our communities that will define our economy in the next 20 years because Western Montana has the resources and infrastructure to lead this economic growth. As we move forward, we need to assist Montana communities and workers whose economies will be impacted by drought, and the energy transition. I will work to invest in continuing education, apprenticeships, and other job training programs that lift up Montana’s workers and help care for our environment.

 

 

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, I will work with anyone to get things done for Montanans. My housing plan (as referenced earlier) emphasizes the need for more work on the supply side to bring down prices, and we can’t do that without close collaboration with the building sector. For example, I will advocate for public-private partnerships and expand tax incentives to help facilitate sustainable construction. And I will work to implement solutions in ways that do not increase housing costs, while reducing energy costs for Montanans.

 

 

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 have worked on water issues and energy producers throughout my professional career. My experience advocating for farmers, ranchers, energy producers and everyday Montanans makes me a powerful voice for Montana in Congress, and a leader in water and energy policy. I understand how the energy needs of buildings have downstream effects on our natural resources, and I can bring that perspective to approach the issue of building sustainability.