Building Star Push Continues

Rep. Welch to introduce measure; Republican support sought

Washington groups, the Rebuilding America Building Star coalition, and the Council of NAIMA continue to push contacts across the Hill to secure original cosponsors for the House version of the legislation that would serve as a companion to S. 3079, Building Star Energy Efficiency Act of 2010. Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) was expected to introduce House legislation sometime today (May 28), and the Council will now turn its attention to securing Republican support in early June. As part of this effort, the groups continue to distribute communication and issue briefs across both the House and Senate and have run advertisements supporting the legislation in Hill publications.

Although policy discussions and some details remain to be worked out, Council representatives and member companies have engaged in a number of personal visits to House and Senate offices over the last two weeks in an effort to build support for the Building Star program. In the last two weeks alone, the Council has met with the offices of Sens. Lindsay Graham (R-SC), George Voinovich (R-OH), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Max Baucus (D-MT), and Mark Udall (D-CO). Across the Hill, discussions have been held with Reps. Mike Pence (R-IN), Diane DeGette (D-CO), Wally Herger (R-CA), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

Many Republicans in both chambers are still cautious about additional government spending, but voice support for the goals of the program. Although easier said than done, if an agreement can be reached regarding paying for the program, enactment of Building Star this year remains extremely viable.

Council representatives will continue to reach out to both Republican and Democratic Congressional offices in order to secure more support and hopefully ease opposition for Building Star legislation.