National Association of REALTORS Statement Regarding - H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy & Security Act
The U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 2454, the American Clean
Energy and Security Act by Reps. Waxman (D‐CA) and Markey (D‐MA).
Following NAR’s long‐standing policy to only take a position on
legislation, or provisions within legislation that have a direct affect
on real estate, NAR worked with our Congressional allies to strip the
Energy Bill of provisions that would have adversely affected our industry.
After multiple consultations with the NAR Climate Presidential Advisory
Group, the NAR Land Use, Property Rights and Environment Committee, and
state associations who had dealt with energy audit legislation at the
state level, the Land Use, Property Rights and Environment Committee
directed NAR staff to concentrate on the real estate provisions in the
bill. As a result, NAR issued calls for action and made this a talking
point for Capitol Hill visits during its recent Midyear meeting.
Overall, REALTORS® succeeded in making a number of positive changes
affecting the real estate provisions of the bill. The House‐approved bill:
* Does not create a federal energy audit requirement for real property;
* Exempts existing homes and buildings from any federal guidelines
for new construction energy efficiency information labels.
* Prohibits the implementation of any labeling during a sales
transaction.
* Leaves the decision to states as to whether to require energy
audits, disclosures, etc.
* Provides property owners with significant financial incentives,
matching grants and tools to make property improvements and reduce their
energy bills;
* Prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating
residential and commercial buildings under the Clean Air Act;
* Eliminated an early proposal to allow citizens to sue over minor
climate risks under the Clean Air Act; and
* Establishes green building incentives for HUD housing, including a
loan program for renewable energy, block grants and credit for upgrades
in mortgage underwriting.
For more information about the American Clean Energy and Security Act,
see NAR's Information Pack.
What's Next?
The Senate must still pass its version of an energy and climate bill. If
this occurs a House–Senate conference committee will be held to
reconcile differences between the House and Senate bills.
To begin your search for the perfect home or to sell your home in Northern Virginia, call Kim Darwaza at 703-856-2254. Please visit http://www.kimdarwaza.com to search the MLS for Northern Virginia listings.