4TH DISTRICT

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Courtney Geels

Republican

U.S. House, North Carolina 4

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?

I am a nurse by trade. I believe there are experts in different fields, and in this situation on this subject, I would consult with energy and water experts in my district, such as Piedmont Electric and Duke Energy. I believe in using resources wisely and efficiently. I think politicians should represent their people, and the best way to represent them is to consult with the experts instead of giving their personal opinions. I believe the government should incentivize innovation and healthy practices, and we need to create an environment for businesses to be able to thrive in accomplishing these sustainable efforts.

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

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

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 building codes that require landlords to have healthy standards of living with buildings that are being rented. This would be done on a state or local level (and I am running for a federal level). Again, I would want to consult with experts in the field to find ways federally to incentivize clean energy and innovative sustainable building practices. My focus would be tax deductions for compliance. 

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 support public education in the form of vouchers for parent choice in education. My plan would be to extend those vouchers federally to adults for 2 years for community college education. We need the workforce to be further educated/trained to be able to accomplish the goals for building and energy workers.

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 want to join the labor and education committee. I think I can help accomplish some of the goals listed with training programs noted in question 4. 

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 am a nurse by trade. This is not my area of expertise. As a nurse, I am trained to assess my situation well. As noted previously, I would consult the experts that work in these fields to create ideal policies for the consumers and the business owners to make sure we are progressing toward better practices in sustainability while boosting the economy and jobs.

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