Insite Online - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009(Plain Text Version)
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Legislative AffairsGreen is the Color of Public HousingThe implementation of green projects and creation of green jobs have become avenues for increased funding for public housing authorities. Several pieces of legislation introduced by the 111th Congress set aside funds for public housing authorities to engage in green improvements, including renewable energy improvements. More information from HUD on green project design can be found at HUD’s Web site. Greener Public Housing Legislation HAI’s legislation-tracking tool, the Legislative Action Center, provides up-to-date information on current public-housing-related bills, key votes, and tools to make your voice heard at the local or national level. Members can access the Center via the Legislative Affairs homepage. Once logged in, users may find out about the latest legislation impacting public housing, send a letter to their Congressperson, or sign up to receive info-alerts on pending bills. This tool allows PHAs to influence Congress without spending a dime. A current highlight of the Legislative Action Center is a bulletin titled “More Funds for Greening Public Housing: Senate Version of Cap and Trade Bill Will Set Aside Funds for Public Housing S. 1733.” The bill, introduced by Senator Kerry (D-MA), Senator Boxer (D-CA), and Senator Kirk (D-MA) on Sept. 30, establishes a cap and trade system to reduce carbon emissions in the U.S. over the next several years. The bill sets emission targets, which are lowered each year, and sells permits that allow firms to emit carbon. Some proceeds from these carbon emission permits would be allocated to public housing authorities for green improvements. The bill allows states to set aside additional dollars obtained from the sale of carbon permits for green development in public housing. The House version of S. 1733, H.R. 2454, was passed in June. This version of the bill designates one percent of carbon permit proceeds to public housing greening projects, estimated to be about $65 million. CLPHA Energy Symposium CLPHA’s “Energy and Greening Symposium” held in October brought together stakeholders to explore greening practices in public housing and sought additional funds to increase the scale and scope of green improvements. One outcome of this Symposium was agreement on the necessity of PHA-resident cooperation for real savings to be achieved. Because technology alone cannot produce the desired savings, “split incentives” that motivate both PHAs and their residents were discussed. Such cooperation between PHA and resident groups would broaden support for funding green improvement and renovation in public housing. It might also allow additional leeway in allocating dollars saved for public housing authorities. | |