July 22nd

U.S. Senate Finance Committee Votes to Advance Green Building Policies

In the run up to the 2015 August Congressional work period the U.S. Senate Finance Committee made an important move to renew and extend a $95 billion tax incentives package that expired at the end of last year. The “Final Passage of an Original Bill to Extend Certain Expiring Tax Provisions” passed on a 23-3 vote.

The legislation includes a number of important elements that will continue to support the efficiency of the building industry. In particular, the bill extends and improves the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction 179(D) through 2016. Under the bill, the deduction expands the existing allocation provisions to non-profit organizations and tribal owners. It would also phase in updates for the commercial energy code in order to qualify for the deduction. Read more.

House Gives Thumbs Up to Affordable Housing Efficiency Program

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of another important efficiency bill.ThePrivate Investment in Housing Act, introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Representatives Dennis Ross (FL), Jim Himes (CT), Emanuel Cleaver (MO) and John Delaney (MD), passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 395-28. It is nearly identical to the provisions found in the energy efficiency legislation commonly known as Shaheen-Portman. This is the second bill to advance programs out of Shaheen-Portman. As some may remember, President Obama signed the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 earlier this year. Read more.

July Advocates Call

On the July call we discussed the Clean Power Plan, since the anticipated rules will be released very soon. Here is the recording and the slide deck.

The August Advocates call will be on Monday August 17th at 4PM ET.

Advocacy Office Hours

Do you have questions about how to implement an advocacy effort? Or wonder what this Bill Track 50 Christina keeps talking about works. Then pop in during the Advocacy Office Hours to ask your questions. The office hours happen on the First Monday of the month at 4PM ET. Here is the call-in phone number: 1-650-429-3300 code: 710-757-778#

July 10, 2015

Convergence Wrap-Up

It was great seeing many of you at Convergence, San Diego! Bryan Howard and I enjoyed chatting with you and your colleagues about the new tools that are available for chapter advocacy. Here is a pdf of our presentation. Please contact Christina if you have any questions.

It's Alive! Federal Tax Extenders

As Congress returns from the July work period there are a number of important must pass items that are being discussed including the re-authorization of surface transportation program often referred to as the ‘Highway Bill.’ The House and Senate Tax writing committees are also looking to review a number of tax incentives during this work period. USGBC will be advocating for important efficiency incentives. Keep watch on USGBC.org for ways to help in this process. 

Advocacy Office Hours

A quick reminder that I am holding virtual Advocacy Office Hours every month.

Date:     First Monday of the Month

Time:    4:00 PM ET

Where:  https://usgbc.webex.com/meet/ckuo or call: 1-650-429-3300 code: 710 757 778

Monthly Advocacy Calls

Next Advocacy call is Monday, July 20th at 4:00PM ET

Join WebEx meeting

Meeting number:         756 481 233    

Meeting password:      Adv0cates      

Join by phone 
1-650-429-3300 Call-in toll number (US/Canada) 
Access code: 756 481 233