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In Focus

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Election 2024:

Where Candidates for Congress Stand

New Mexico

2nd DISTRICT

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​Gabe Vasquez

Democratic

U.S. House, New Mexico 2

 

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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I will support the critical climate change investments made in the Inflation Reduction Act which expanded the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings, incentivized residential clean energy, advanced energy-efficiency rebates that will help increase the use of appliances that use less water and energy to heat and cool our homes. Beyond the IRA, we can look to provide funding that helps retrofit older, less efficient buildings with modern energy efficient materials and technology. Congress can also follow the model of voluntary certification programs such as LEED and Energy Star which incentivize energy efficiency in the building and appliance spaces.

 

 

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

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?

 

I support the efforts of the current administration to modernize building codes and deploy clean energy strategies that help local communities, especially in low-income or disadvantaged areas like many in my state. In addition to improved air quality and health benefits, economic benefits include reduced energy bills and opportunities to be trained in and apply for good-paying green energy jobs. Finally, the rebate programs for energy efficient appliances help lower the costs for these critical upgrades.

 

 

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

 

The Department of Energy’s Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) and Building Training and Assessment Centers (BTAC) provide job training while saving energy, improving productivity, and reducing waste in manufacturing, commercial and institutional buildings in over half the states in America. Many of these centers are in low-income and disadvantaged areas. These centers provide hands-on training for students, union apprentices and building energy workers in the manufacturing and commercial sectors, preparing participants for high-quality, in-demand careers in sustainable building. In Congress, I will continue to support vital initiatives like this.

 

 

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. As Congress continues to look at new ways to innovate, the building sector must be part of the conversation. Unfortunately, the current Republican majority has been trying to block these efforts with their passage of bills such as the Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act (H.R. 4790) which remove the ability for factors such as climate goals to be considered in corporate decision making.

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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.)?

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As a Las Cruces City Councilor, the City underwent an Industry Grade Energy audit on all Las Cruces infrastructure and buildings and has since been participating in a Performance Based Contract. Targeted measures have reduced use by 6 million kWh with a savings of $600,000 annually. In addition, the Sustainability Office contracted an energy efficiency, weatherization gap analysis for residents to assess the efficacy of current energy programs during my term as Councilor in 2021.​

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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.)

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