For the last 12 years, AIA has enthusiastically supported EISA Section 433 -- why stop now? Given the recent passage of the AIA Climate Action Resolution, COTE believes it makes sense for the AIA to hold the line on fossil fuel use reduction targets.
A bipartisan bill moving through Congress this year aims to set energy-use reduction standards for federal buildings along with other very positive energy efficiency measures. However, the bill also contains a provision that would repeal Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. Support for Section 433, which requires fossil fuel use reduction in renovated and newly-constructed federal buildings with the goal of 100% reduction by 2030, has been a fundamental principle of AIA federal advocacy since its passage.
EISA Section 433 has been under attack by fossil fuel-industry groups and their allies in Congress for many years. In 2016, the AIA and the Sierra Club issued a joint letter opposing Senate Bill S.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015, solely because it included the repeal of EISA Section 433.
A measure introduced by Senators Manchin (D-WV) and Hoeven (R-ND) in 2018 called the “All-of-the-Above Federal Buildings Energy Conservation Act” (S.3295) is focused on improving the energy efficiency of federal buildings. But, as its name implies, it is neutral as to energy sources. It also contains provisions to repeal EISA Section 433.
The AIA cannot be neutral on the question of how energy is generated. We cannot sign on as a supporter of legislation that – despite whatever good it may intent to accomplish – weakens or repeals fossil fuel use reduction targets. The AIA should not back off on our support for Section 433.
We fail to see why increasing building energy efficiency and decreasing the use of fossil fuels are incompatible goals. Surely, we must do both. Members of Congress understand that Section 433 repeal is a “poison pill” for many organizations like the AIA. It was a central part of an important energy policy act passed with bipartisan support and signed into law by President George W Bush.
Section 433 does not ban the use of fossil fuels outright, nor does it establish unrealistic reduction targets. COTE Advocacy is certainly open to improving Section 433 or replacing it with fossil fuel reduction measures that would be more effective, but as “decarbonizing” our buildings and our practice is one of COTE’s primary goals, Section 433 is not negotiable from our perspective.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, where it awaits further action. If you think Section 433 repeal should be deleted from the Bill, please tell your US Senator before it goes to the floor for a vote.