In Focus
Election 2024:
Where Candidates for Congress Stand
Texas​
5th DISTRICT
​
​Ruth Truth Torres
Democratic
U.S. House, Texas 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?
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HOW to build sustainable is not my area of expertise, I rely on knowledgeable stakeholders for recommendations. I believe in Science, global warning & strongly support protecting our environment while meeting the needs of constituents & living wage job creation.
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: Turn unused/ underused commercial bldgs into mixed use. Leverage / stack incentives for rehab of older commercial & residential 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?
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Require all building construction / rehab using federal $, directly or indirectly, including for Sec 8 or any government subsidized housing programs to meet green building standards.
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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Promote / encourage academic programs which provide youth exposure to clean energy jobs in middle/ high school as well as redirect unemployed / underemployed in trade schools or WIOA 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 will need data on the cost / benefit analysis, short & long-term as well as testimonials from actual people who have experienced transformation due to switching living environment to a green living environment. I will go visit sites completed, in progress and planned to provide first-hand experience to develop or support policy and bill support.
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.)?
During prior corporate experience, I have promoted green initiatives inside existing buildings.
12th DISTRICT
​
​Trey Hunt
Democratic
U.S. House, Texas 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?
​
Programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and ENERGY STAR, which provide resources for reducing energy and water usage, can be expanded to reach more homeowners, businesses, and public buildings, driving national improvements in sustainability. Congress can expand tax credits, grants, and low-interest loans for energy-efficient upgrades in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Retrofitting older buildings with energy-saving technologies like improved insulation, smart thermostats, efficient lighting, and renewable energy systems can significantly reduce energy 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.
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?
If elected, I will prioritize policies that make healthy and sustainable buildings accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. I will advocate for expanding federal incentives for energy-efficient housing, especially for low-income communities. This includes increasing funding for programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps lower-income households reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency. I’ll also support public-private partnerships that invest in affordable green housing initiatives, ensuring that sustainable buildings aren’t just for the wealthy, but available to everyone.
Furthermore, I will push for policies that strengthen building codes across the country, so that new construction—whether public housing or private—is built to high sustainability standards from the start, reducing energy costs and improving indoor air quality for residents of all income levels.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
To prepare people for clean energy jobs related to sustainable buildings, I will support federal investment in workforce development programs, including vocational training and apprenticeships in the green building and energy sectors. This could be done through partnerships with community colleges, trade schools, and unions to provide targeted training for building technologies, energy efficiency, renewable energy installation, and building management systems. I’ll also advocate for expanding federal funding for programs like the Department of Energy’s Solar Workforce Initiative, which helps workers gain skills in clean energy sectors.
Additionally, I’ll work to ensure that job training is accessible to underserved communities and that the jobs created are good-paying, stable jobs with benefits. A just transition to a clean energy economy means ensuring that all workers, especially those in regions heavily reliant on traditional energy industries, have the support they need to transition to new careers in clean energy.
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 am committed to working closely with the building sector to ensure that transforming America’s buildings is a central part of the policy debate in Congress. I would join and actively participate in caucuses that advocate for sustainable building policies, such as the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) or the Congressional Green Buildings Caucus. By working with experts, builders, environmental advocates, and labor groups, I’ll help craft policies that promote energy efficiency, green building practices, and climate resilience.
To engage with the building sector, I’ll hold regular meetings with stakeholders to stay informed of the challenges and opportunities they face. This will allow me to advocate for practical and impactful policies that reflect the needs of the industry while advancing sustainability.
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.)?
Although I have not yet had the opportunity to serve in elected office or directly influence legislation, my commitment to sustainability has been reflected in my personal life and work. I’ve taken steps to reduce my own energy consumption and carbon footprint, such as installing energy-efficient appliances and making sustainable upgrades to my home. If elected, I plan to bring this commitment to sustainability to the legislative level, working to pass policies that support energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy integration, and environmentally responsible urban planning.
12th DISTRICT
​
​Trey Hunt
Democratic
U.S. House, Texas 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?
​
Programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and ENERGY STAR, which provide resources for reducing energy and water usage, can be expanded to reach more homeowners, businesses, and public buildings, driving national improvements in sustainability. Congress can expand tax credits, grants, and low-interest loans for energy-efficient upgrades in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Retrofitting older buildings with energy-saving technologies like improved insulation, smart thermostats, efficient lighting, and renewable energy systems can significantly reduce energy 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.
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?
If elected, I will prioritize policies that make healthy and sustainable buildings accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. I will advocate for expanding federal incentives for energy-efficient housing, especially for low-income communities. This includes increasing funding for programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps lower-income households reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency. I’ll also support public-private partnerships that invest in affordable green housing initiatives, ensuring that sustainable buildings aren’t just for the wealthy, but available to everyone.
Furthermore, I will push for policies that strengthen building codes across the country, so that new construction—whether public housing or private—is built to high sustainability standards from the start, reducing energy costs and improving indoor air quality for residents of all income levels.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
To prepare people for clean energy jobs related to sustainable buildings, I will support federal investment in workforce development programs, including vocational training and apprenticeships in the green building and energy sectors. This could be done through partnerships with community colleges, trade schools, and unions to provide targeted training for building technologies, energy efficiency, renewable energy installation, and building management systems. I’ll also advocate for expanding federal funding for programs like the Department of Energy’s Solar Workforce Initiative, which helps workers gain skills in clean energy sectors.
Additionally, I’ll work to ensure that job training is accessible to underserved communities and that the jobs created are good-paying, stable jobs with benefits. A just transition to a clean energy economy means ensuring that all workers, especially those in regions heavily reliant on traditional energy industries, have the support they need to transition to new careers in clean energy.
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 am committed to working closely with the building sector to ensure that transforming America’s buildings is a central part of the policy debate in Congress. I would join and actively participate in caucuses that advocate for sustainable building policies, such as the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) or the Congressional Green Buildings Caucus. By working with experts, builders, environmental advocates, and labor groups, I’ll help craft policies that promote energy efficiency, green building practices, and climate resilience.
To engage with the building sector, I’ll hold regular meetings with stakeholders to stay informed of the challenges and opportunities they face. This will allow me to advocate for practical and impactful policies that reflect the needs of the industry while advancing sustainability.
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.)?
Although I have not yet had the opportunity to serve in elected office or directly influence legislation, my commitment to sustainability has been reflected in my personal life and work. I’ve taken steps to reduce my own energy consumption and carbon footprint, such as installing energy-efficient appliances and making sustainable upgrades to my home. If elected, I plan to bring this commitment to sustainability to the legislative level, working to pass policies that support energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy integration, and environmentally responsible urban planning.
12th DISTRICT
​
​Trey Hunt
Democratic
U.S. House, Texas 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?
​
Programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and ENERGY STAR, which provide resources for reducing energy and water usage, can be expanded to reach more homeowners, businesses, and public buildings, driving national improvements in sustainability. Congress can expand tax credits, grants, and low-interest loans for energy-efficient upgrades in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Retrofitting older buildings with energy-saving technologies like improved insulation, smart thermostats, efficient lighting, and renewable energy systems can significantly reduce energy 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.
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?
If elected, I will prioritize policies that make healthy and sustainable buildings accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. I will advocate for expanding federal incentives for energy-efficient housing, especially for low-income communities. This includes increasing funding for programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps lower-income households reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency. I’ll also support public-private partnerships that invest in affordable green housing initiatives, ensuring that sustainable buildings aren’t just for the wealthy, but available to everyone.
Furthermore, I will push for policies that strengthen building codes across the country, so that new construction—whether public housing or private—is built to high sustainability standards from the start, reducing energy costs and improving indoor air quality for residents of all income levels.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
To prepare people for clean energy jobs related to sustainable buildings, I will support federal investment in workforce development programs, including vocational training and apprenticeships in the green building and energy sectors. This could be done through partnerships with community colleges, trade schools, and unions to provide targeted training for building technologies, energy efficiency, renewable energy installation, and building management systems. I’ll also advocate for expanding federal funding for programs like the Department of Energy’s Solar Workforce Initiative, which helps workers gain skills in clean energy sectors.
Additionally, I’ll work to ensure that job training is accessible to underserved communities and that the jobs created are good-paying, stable jobs with benefits. A just transition to a clean energy economy means ensuring that all workers, especially those in regions heavily reliant on traditional energy industries, have the support they need to transition to new careers in clean energy.
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 am committed to working closely with the building sector to ensure that transforming America’s buildings is a central part of the policy debate in Congress. I would join and actively participate in caucuses that advocate for sustainable building policies, such as the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) or the Congressional Green Buildings Caucus. By working with experts, builders, environmental advocates, and labor groups, I’ll help craft policies that promote energy efficiency, green building practices, and climate resilience.
To engage with the building sector, I’ll hold regular meetings with stakeholders to stay informed of the challenges and opportunities they face. This will allow me to advocate for practical and impactful policies that reflect the needs of the industry while advancing sustainability.
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.)?
Although I have not yet had the opportunity to serve in elected office or directly influence legislation, my commitment to sustainability has been reflected in my personal life and work. I’ve taken steps to reduce my own energy consumption and carbon footprint, such as installing energy-efficient appliances and making sustainable upgrades to my home. If elected, I plan to bring this commitment to sustainability to the legislative level, working to pass policies that support energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy integration, and environmentally responsible urban planning.
12th DISTRICT
​
​Trey Hunt
Democratic
U.S. House, Texas 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?
​
Programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and ENERGY STAR, which provide resources for reducing energy and water usage, can be expanded to reach more homeowners, businesses, and public buildings, driving national improvements in sustainability. Congress can expand tax credits, grants, and low-interest loans for energy-efficient upgrades in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Retrofitting older buildings with energy-saving technologies like improved insulation, smart thermostats, efficient lighting, and renewable energy systems can significantly reduce energy 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.
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?
If elected, I will prioritize policies that make healthy and sustainable buildings accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. I will advocate for expanding federal incentives for energy-efficient housing, especially for low-income communities. This includes increasing funding for programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps lower-income households reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency. I’ll also support public-private partnerships that invest in affordable green housing initiatives, ensuring that sustainable buildings aren’t just for the wealthy, but available to everyone.
Furthermore, I will push for policies that strengthen building codes across the country, so that new construction—whether public housing or private—is built to high sustainability standards from the start, reducing energy costs and improving indoor air quality for residents of all income levels.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
To prepare people for clean energy jobs related to sustainable buildings, I will support federal investment in workforce development programs, including vocational training and apprenticeships in the green building and energy sectors. This could be done through partnerships with community colleges, trade schools, and unions to provide targeted training for building technologies, energy efficiency, renewable energy installation, and building management systems. I’ll also advocate for expanding federal funding for programs like the Department of Energy’s Solar Workforce Initiative, which helps workers gain skills in clean energy sectors.
Additionally, I’ll work to ensure that job training is accessible to underserved communities and that the jobs created are good-paying, stable jobs with benefits. A just transition to a clean energy economy means ensuring that all workers, especially those in regions heavily reliant on traditional energy industries, have the support they need to transition to new careers in clean energy.
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 am committed to working closely with the building sector to ensure that transforming America’s buildings is a central part of the policy debate in Congress. I would join and actively participate in caucuses that advocate for sustainable building policies, such as the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) or the Congressional Green Buildings Caucus. By working with experts, builders, environmental advocates, and labor groups, I’ll help craft policies that promote energy efficiency, green building practices, and climate resilience.
To engage with the building sector, I’ll hold regular meetings with stakeholders to stay informed of the challenges and opportunities they face. This will allow me to advocate for practical and impactful policies that reflect the needs of the industry while advancing sustainability.
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.)?
Although I have not yet had the opportunity to serve in elected office or directly influence legislation, my commitment to sustainability has been reflected in my personal life and work. I’ve taken steps to reduce my own energy consumption and carbon footprint, such as installing energy-efficient appliances and making sustainable upgrades to my home. If elected, I plan to bring this commitment to sustainability to the legislative level, working to pass policies that support energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy integration, and environmentally responsible urban planning.
16th DISTRICT
​
​Veronica Escobar (Incumbent)
Democratic
U.S. House, Texas 16
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?
​
Increase league standards, tax credits to local home developers, and work with builders association on modern legislation.
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.
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've supported legislation like the IRA that emphasizes these needs.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
Invest in the Climate Corps, and other great 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
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.)?
​
Yes, as county judge.
19th DISTRICT
​
​Nathan Lewis
Independent
U.S. House, Texas 19
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?
​
National building standards that would by default mean most new construction would have to implement EV charging with vehicle to home and grid capabilities, heat pumps, solar, etc... along with increased insulation and air sealing standards. It's beyond time to act. Fossil fuels need to be phased out quickly.
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.
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 started a nonprofit to expand clean energy to LMI communities. Need to expand and simplify many provisions of the IRA. More $$ for grants and rebates. Extend the tax credit adders to homeowners and let them use direct rebates upfront to take advantage. Extend tax credits to more vehicles with 2 and 3 wheels. The barriers to entry should be nonexistent.
4. IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?
We should have a FED Job Guarantee with an office in every county and municipality in the nation. Almost every home needs upgrading- there are millions of jobs that need to be done in every aspect you can think of. Reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose, etc... Our landfills are filled with useful materials that were thrown out because the cost of labor to repuroose or recycle is too high. There is no shortage of $$ to do what needs to be done.
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?
As part of a Job Guarantee, anyone in the buildings sector committed to clean energy and more efficient building envelopes is welcome to apply for reduced cost labor (cost share). Sort of an Americorp on steroids.
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.)?
Like I mentioned previously, I started a nonprofit to accelerate the clean energy transition here in Lubbock, TX. Most of the last 20 years I've been a Permaculture practioner. Always thinking how to save energy.
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.)