In Focus
Election 2022:
Where Candidates for Congress Stand
2ND DISTRICT
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Samantha Meadows
Democratic
U.S. House, Ohio 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?
By passing legislation such as the Build Back Better 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?
I vote for meaningful environmental justice & equity programs that support citizens from all socioeconomic groups.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
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Voting for legislation such as the Build Back Better Act that pumps money into clean energy programs
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 would regularly meet with organizations that represent the building trades. I want to know the needs of such groups so that I can make decisions based on those needs.
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 not been in political office thus far, but I have made energy efficiency improvements at home.
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5TH DISTRICT
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Craig Swartz
Democratic
U.S. House, Ohio 5
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?
Establishing funding mechanisms by which new construction for public buildings and use are utilizing the latest technology to save energy and water. Reuses of old buildings need to require sustainability upgrades in these areas. A new funding mechanism could be a national infrastructure bank that has programs focusing on this area.
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?
My main area of concern regarding this subject is increasing affordable housing across the country to meet the needs of various communities. I believe our national budget priorities need to be adjusted dramatically to begin emphasizing the needs of an aging population and housing is at the top of the list. My first step will be to push our discretionary spending in that direction.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
Our trade schools at the high school level and advanced trade programs after need to be beefed up substantially. There is much to be done to advertise more to the general population about the good paying jobs that await those that are interested in pursuing these careers. I'd like to do more about boosting apprenticeships to unions where many are still unaware of the vast amount of benefits that goes along with becoming an apprentice.
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 I mentioned above, I am a firm advocate to establishing a national infrastructure bank that has the possibility of putting a construction project in every county in every state in this country.
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.)?
On city council, I helped pass resolutions toward reuse and repurposing of buildings. Out of office, I was looking for ways for our town to investigate grants to repurpose old factories or for demolition on others that would help in transforming open space for public use.
6TH DISTRICT
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Louis Lyras
Democratic
U.S. House, Ohio 6
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 totally agree with Build Action's positions on reducing energy and water consumption and look forward to working with you to enact legislation that will provide a wide range of incentives for contractors, commercial building owners, and homeowners that will make sustainability extremely attractive and affordable.
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?
I concur with Building Action's assertion belief that exclusionary zoning laws, transportation policies, and “Environmental redlining” must come to end. To achieve that goal we must provide increased federal funding to remediate existing environmental hazards in lower income communities, require federal agencies to more emphasis on environmental justice, and subsidize the construction of sustainable, affordable housing in America's urban centers.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
As the owner and CEO of a union company, I understand and value apprenticeship and advanced training programs. We must actively recruit and encourage high school students and young people to enter the building trades and ensure that advanced training is both readily available, accessible, and affordable. We should also financially support union apprenticeship programs.
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?
My door will always be open to builders, the building trades unions, and the renewable energy industry. I will work tirelessly with them and other members of Congress to promote sustainable building policies and fund R&D that will yield new technologies in the years ahead.
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.)?
Every building that I’ve been involved with, the ARS building on Route 422 in Coitsville, my office, and now the Penguin City Beer, we’ve looked to either build sustainable energy efficient buildings or in the case of Penguin City utilize the newest technology in energy efficiency for old buildings. In my business, my patents [Advanced Recycling Systems https://www.arsrecycling.com/] for sandblasting resulting in reducing huge amounts of waste and hence made all bridge painting projects more energy efficient. Carbon footprints are not only cars, but buildings and we must make all our buildings more efficient.
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10TH DISTRICT
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David Esrati
Democratic
U.S. House, Ohio 10
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?
Incentives for energy retrofits, and sustainable recyclable materials. Like eliminating asphalt shingles, moving to on-demand water heaters, and even rainwater capture. The biggest key is to stop tearing down and sprawling- and to make more efficient uses of core city buildings.
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.
OTHER: Incentives for walk to work tax credits- to get employers to locate close to employees- reducing carbon emissions getting to work. And- close to current mass transit.
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?
We need to focus on adaptive reuse and recycling of older buildings. We also need to make housing more affordable by providing low interest loans for low income housing. We need to make sure there are incentives for placing viable businesses in HUBzones- to increase employment opportunities and decrease commutes to make things more efficient, green and change the viability in each community.
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 have a huge shortage of skilled trades people nationally. We need to invest in trade schools and in providing that training in exchange for 18 months of public service.
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?
Absolutely. I've worked with clients in the building sector in the past- who worked at deconstruction instead of demolition. They utilized ex-cons as their workers and were very successful until a local political decision cut their flow of funds off as part of a "culture of Corruption". I've been a part of a neighborhood transformation since 1986 in a historic neighborhood - which has shown me the power of community. I've also worked on projects that include manufactured modular construction and factory assembly of walls to speed and build better buildings.
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've rehabbed 5 buildings-modernizing and making them valuable instead of landfill materials. My cousins are architects in the UK- and we've had lots of discussions about modern energy efficient building systems. In many ways the UK is far ahead of us- especially in public projects.
12TH DISTRICT
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Amy Rippel-Elton
Democratic
U.S. House, Ohio 12
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?
By funding renewable energy research, and programs for people who want renewable energy sources and can’t afford it.
2. WHICH SUSTAINABLE BUILDING POLICIES DO YOU SUPPORT AND WOULD WORK TO ENACT IF ELECTED?
b. Provide rebates to homeowners who invest in energy efficiency improvements
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
OTHER: Follow through by seeing how these funds help on a practical level. Request that program success be a contingent for future funding.
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?
Look into subsidies for the needed improvement. We only can do better when we know better and we have made leaps and bounds in knowing better in the last 10 years.
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 have to start in education at every level and follow through with places like our career centers and college’s. I am already beginning that work by talking with K-12 school boards and superintendents.
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?
By listening and learning then advocacy with peers. My office will be open to knowledgeable people educating us. It will also be open to the other side giving us their opinions. I will talk to the community and get feedback. Then I can propose legislation that helps.
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.)?
My first memories about the future of energy were at Disney's Epcot center, and the worlds fair in the 1980’s. The things they showed us looked like something out of a sci fi novel. Today I am typing this on a phone, calculator, computer I carry with me everywhere because it also keeps track of my sugars every 5 minutes.
I have solar panels on my own home. I have worked with my stepdad’s contracting business when I was younger. I have experience in the field. So when you are talking to me I either ask enough questions to make things make sense to me, or I already know. Let’s bring some more of that future technology into our lives, I am ready for the flying cars 😀.
14TH DISTRICT
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Matt Kilboy
Democratic
U.S. House, Ohio 14
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?
Leverage legislation that incentivizes the development and use of technologies that promote energy efficiency and decrease water use.
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
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?
To be transparent, I am not certain I know what this question is asking. My first step would be to engage in experts and stakeholders to better understand the idea, and then leverage the knowledge gained from these encounters to guide my decision making.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
One of the key pieces of my platform is education. Specifically, I have been calling for further investments in vocational programs and community colleges. These programs are critical for training Ohioans to work in these sectors.
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 to setup discussions with all stakeholders from across the District and the industry to understand the challenges and then partner with those same folks to develop solutions.
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.)?
No.
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.)