The National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides comments in response to the Department of Energy's (DOE) proposed National Energy Rating Program for Homes. NAR supports providing homeowners with information to improve energy efficiency but has several concerns. NAR is concerned that the proposal did not address using home sales to mandate energy labeling, which NAR opposes. NAR also questions the reliability and accuracy of home energy rating systems. NAR believes the most effective approach is providing financial incentives to encourage voluntary energy improvements rather than mandatory labeling.
The document discusses California's budget crisis and declining education system. It notes that California's per-pupil spending ranking dropped from 5th to 43rd in the last 40 years. UC and CSU tuition has more than tripled in the last 20 years. The state is projected to run large deficits through 2015. Candidate Josh Becker proposes creating jobs, fixing education through increased funding and reforming Sacramento's budgeting process to address these issues.
Governors from 21 states signed a letter urging Congress to extend the wind production tax credit to support the wind energy industry and jobs in their states. They note that the tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2012 and that its uncertainty is already causing the wind industry to slow down project development and lay off employees. Losing the tax credit could lead to major job losses. The governors ask Congress to pass a multi-year extension of at least 4 years to provide long-term policy certainty and allow the industry to grow.
The document summarizes updates related to Florida's affordable housing programs in the first quarter of 2015. It discusses the expansion of eligibility criteria for the Florida Hardest Hit Fund unemployment programs to help more homeowners receive financial assistance. It also provides details on groundbreakings for new affordable housing developments in Florida and training events for realtors on Florida Housing's homeownership programs. Program updates are given for the rental, State Housing Initiatives Partnership, and Foreclosure Counseling programs.
This document summarizes financial contributions made to Senator John McCain between 2005-2010 from individuals associated with the law firm Baker, Donelson, Et Al. It lists 32 contributions totaling $39,302 from attorneys, lobbyists, and executives from the firm, primarily located in Tennessee, Washington D.C., Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland and Mississippi. The largest individual contributions were $5,000 and $2,300.
This document is an email alert from Myron Ebell of the Cooler Heads Coalition urging recipients to contact members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to oppose a provision in the Hagel climate bill that would create transferable early action credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The provision is seen as a "poison pill" that could enable passage of the Clear Skies Act but would establish a framework for future emissions caps. The alert provides context on early action credits and contact information for Committee members.
The Madeline Corporation and Bergen County's United Way formed a partnership in 2004 to address affordable housing needs. They develop, manage, and provide supportive services for affordable housing projects across New Jersey. These include rental units, homeownership opportunities, and housing for seniors, individuals with special needs, homeless individuals and families. They have completed over 30 projects and have several more in development and pre-development phases. They work with various state, county and local partners to secure financing and have collectively secured over $30 million in funding.
Alliance, a national multifamily real estate firm, has tapped Dale Boyles to lead its new senior housing division. Boyles has extensive experience in senior housing from his previous role as VP of Emeritus/Brookdale Senior Living. His new role at Alliance will focus on growing the senior housing business through market analysis, product design, and partner relationships.
Ocean Township in New Jersey is constructing a 93-unit affordable senior housing complex called Heritage Village at Oakhurst. The development will alleviate the long waitlist for affordable senior housing in the area. It is receiving over $15 million in funding from state and federal programs. Once completed, the project is estimated to generate over $36 million in economic activity and create
The document summarizes funding amounts from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for various infrastructure, construction, and energy projects. It allocates $149.868 billion total, with the largest amounts going to federal agencies ($65.815 billion), state and local agencies ($49.17 billion), and power and energy projects ($34.883 billion). The funds are designated for areas like transportation, housing, energy, education, healthcare, and environmental projects and must be used within strict guidelines.
The document discusses California's budget crisis and declining education system. It notes that California's per-pupil spending ranking dropped from 5th to 43rd in the last 40 years. UC and CSU tuition has more than tripled in the last 20 years. The state is projected to run large deficits through 2015. Candidate Josh Becker proposes creating jobs, fixing education through increased funding and reforming Sacramento's budgeting process to address these issues.
Governors from 21 states signed a letter urging Congress to extend the wind production tax credit to support the wind energy industry and jobs in their states. They note that the tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2012 and that its uncertainty is already causing the wind industry to slow down project development and lay off employees. Losing the tax credit could lead to major job losses. The governors ask Congress to pass a multi-year extension of at least 4 years to provide long-term policy certainty and allow the industry to grow.
The document summarizes updates related to Florida's affordable housing programs in the first quarter of 2015. It discusses the expansion of eligibility criteria for the Florida Hardest Hit Fund unemployment programs to help more homeowners receive financial assistance. It also provides details on groundbreakings for new affordable housing developments in Florida and training events for realtors on Florida Housing's homeownership programs. Program updates are given for the rental, State Housing Initiatives Partnership, and Foreclosure Counseling programs.
This document summarizes financial contributions made to Senator John McCain between 2005-2010 from individuals associated with the law firm Baker, Donelson, Et Al. It lists 32 contributions totaling $39,302 from attorneys, lobbyists, and executives from the firm, primarily located in Tennessee, Washington D.C., Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland and Mississippi. The largest individual contributions were $5,000 and $2,300.
This document is an email alert from Myron Ebell of the Cooler Heads Coalition urging recipients to contact members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to oppose a provision in the Hagel climate bill that would create transferable early action credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The provision is seen as a "poison pill" that could enable passage of the Clear Skies Act but would establish a framework for future emissions caps. The alert provides context on early action credits and contact information for Committee members.
The Madeline Corporation and Bergen County's United Way formed a partnership in 2004 to address affordable housing needs. They develop, manage, and provide supportive services for affordable housing projects across New Jersey. These include rental units, homeownership opportunities, and housing for seniors, individuals with special needs, homeless individuals and families. They have completed over 30 projects and have several more in development and pre-development phases. They work with various state, county and local partners to secure financing and have collectively secured over $30 million in funding.
Alliance, a national multifamily real estate firm, has tapped Dale Boyles to lead its new senior housing division. Boyles has extensive experience in senior housing from his previous role as VP of Emeritus/Brookdale Senior Living. His new role at Alliance will focus on growing the senior housing business through market analysis, product design, and partner relationships.
Ocean Township in New Jersey is constructing a 93-unit affordable senior housing complex called Heritage Village at Oakhurst. The development will alleviate the long waitlist for affordable senior housing in the area. It is receiving over $15 million in funding from state and federal programs. Once completed, the project is estimated to generate over $36 million in economic activity and create
The document summarizes funding amounts from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for various infrastructure, construction, and energy projects. It allocates $149.868 billion total, with the largest amounts going to federal agencies ($65.815 billion), state and local agencies ($49.17 billion), and power and energy projects ($34.883 billion). The funds are designated for areas like transportation, housing, energy, education, healthcare, and environmental projects and must be used within strict guidelines.
Smart Power: the Future of Electric Utilities in the US and China, Peter Fox-...Beijing Energy Network
In the presentation Dr. Fox-Penner will be summarizing the key topics in his book, namely the shifts required in the US power grid to change from a centralized, vertically-integrated energy infrastructure to a more distributed generation infrastructure. He will cover the decarbonization of the US power sector as well as the impact of “smart grid” developments. Finally, he will contrast the US situation with that of China and talk about the impact of large amounts of renewables integration on the grid.
Understanding the Food System: How it Works and When it Doesn'tAnne Anderson
Presentation by Robyn Krock of Valley Vision (Sacramento, CA) on the basics of the farm to market to consumer food systems and what needs to be fixed to allow better distribution of healthful food to everyone.
This document provides an introduction to water infrastructure issues in the United States. It notes that our drinking water and wastewater systems received a grade of D- due to aging infrastructure. It also discusses various challenges around water supply including population growth, conservation, climate change, and water rights battles between states. Real estate professionals are often involved in local water issues and need to understand the challenges around water infrastructure and supply.
The document discusses opportunities for lifetime gifts under the current $5 million gift and estate tax exemption. It recommends maximizing annual exclusion gifts and direct payments of tuition and medical expenses before making taxable gifts. For those with large estates, it suggests taking advantage of the $5 million exemption by making lifetime gifts this year and next to potentially remove substantial wealth from one's estate. Credit shelter trusts also remain beneficial despite the portability provision, as portability expires after 2012 and trusts can reduce estate taxes.
The document provides background information on ElectriCities, NCMPA1, and NCEMPA. It discusses how they were formed in response to the 1970s energy crisis when rising costs and unreliable power threatened economic development. The crisis led cities and utilities to work together, with cities gaining permission to own generation. However, the Three Mile Island incident in 1979 led to increased regulations that drove costs higher for NCMPA1's share of Catawba nuclear plant and NCEMPA's share of Shearon Harris plant. The document reviews current power supply, governance structure, and budget details for NCMPA1 and NCEMPA.
1) Eastern Eight Community Development Corporation exceeded its goals for 2008-2009 by building 52 homes instead of the planned 40, acquiring or rehabilitating 17 existing units, and assisting over 200 households through homebuyer education.
2) They added over $6.9 million in real estate to local tax bases and assisted homeowners with over $750,000 in down payment assistance.
3) Looking ahead, Eastern Eight has secured over $2 million in grant funding for 2010 to develop new rental housing and rehabilitate existing units while expanding homeownership and counseling programs.
CDFA - Best Tax Credit Financed ProjectSDSSlideshare
The document describes the Second Line Stages project in New Orleans, which constructed a sustainable film production studio using New Markets Tax Credits. It created over 2,800 direct jobs and 2,600 indirect jobs while generating millions in tax revenues. The project helped diversify the local economy after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city's tourism industry, and also provided training to local at-risk youth.
Edelman Public Affairs - BC's Fall 2017 Legislative SittingEdelman
What did the BC NDP accomplish in its first legislative session? Edelman Vancouver’s Public Affairs team weighs in on some highlights, what’s next, and how it all unfolded. To learn more about Edelman, please visit www.edelman.ca.
1) The nuclear energy industry can increase nuclear power output in the US by 10,000 megawatts by 2012 through power uprates, improved productivity, and plant restarts. This would avoid emitting approximately 22 million metric tons of carbon and account for 21% of the President's carbon reduction goal.
2) Beyond 2012, building 50,000 megawatts of new nuclear plants in the US by 2020 could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 100 million metric tons compared to forecasts.
3) The letter expresses support for the President's carbon reduction policy and the role for nuclear energy in achieving related goals.
Zero energy housing and rural community developmentDenis Rigdon
1) The document discusses a proposed project to build energy-efficient housing in Cape Girardeau, Missouri using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
2) The project would provide job training and transition people from homelessness or substandard housing into zero-energy cost homes that produce renewable energy.
3) However, the proposal was rejected by Missouri state funding entities and the local community development group excluded residential housing from their downtown renewal plans, frustrating the goals of the project.
This document is a proposal submitted to the Mayor of Oak Valley, Texas requesting funding for road improvements. It provides background on the town's poor road conditions and lack of funding. A survey of residents found majority support a small tax to fund road repairs. The proposal explores funding options and recommends the only viable one is a small city tax, as grants require local funding matches that the town currently can't provide without a tax in place.
The Sierra Club Kern-Kaweah Chapter Fall Banquet will be held on November 15th, featuring a presentation by Jim Dodson from the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. Members are encouraged to RSVP by November 12th for the six-course Chinese dinner and program. The document also summarizes several California ballot propositions, endorsing propositions 1A for high-speed rail and 2 for farm animal treatment. It expresses support for T. Boone Pickens' energy plan to increase wind and solar power and use natural gas for vehicles.
- Eastern Eight Community Development Corporation completed 26 new construction homes and rehabilitated 21 existing units in fiscal year 2008.
- They expanded their rental property portfolio to include 29 units and began construction of 4 group homes for special needs tenants.
- The organization provided homebuyer education to 254 households, housing counseling to 42 households, and foreclosure prevention assistance to 20 homeowners. They also continued youth development programs in 3 cities.
- Looking ahead, Eastern Eight received over $760,000 in new funding, positioning them to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and expand programs like homeownership counseling and green building initiatives.
Maximize your time and grant seeking effort with insider information about which funders will or won’t have grant money to give in 2011. Renee will share information with you that she has learned from her grant maker colleagues — information that is not on funder websites. Also, find out about funding trends for the next few years to help you position your organization and plan for the future.
Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people. ̶ Dennis Prager
Darwin's housing market is showing signs of slowing after years of strong growth. House price growth has slowed to 2.14% for the quarter, down from previous periods. Building approvals decreased by 27.75% and housing finance commitments fell by 8.38%. Rental vacancies remain extremely low at 0.3% and rents rose by 6-8% in the quarter, indicating continued strong demand. However, slowing unit sales and oversupply of units may dampen further price rises as uncertainty in the mining sector impacts the local economy. Major projects in gas, infrastructure and defense should help offset potential slowing in the labor market.
This document discusses issues related to land contamination and residential properties. It notes that about 80% of single family homes in the UK receive some form of environmental screening during the home buying process. It also discusses three main issues related to land contamination: groundwater contamination, soil contamination, and vapor intrusion. Finally, it emphasizes that both toxic site data and historical information are important to properly assess potential contamination risks at a given property.
Novogradac Coverage of BioEconomy Solutions Renewable Diesel Plantvgarlington
A renewable diesel plant in South Carolina is expected to create jobs and growth for renewable technologies.
By: Caroline Gallegos,Staff Writer, NOVOGRADAC
Renewable energy technology was already a growing industry, but as unemployment skyrockets, a new renewable diesel plant could play an important role in economic recovery and job creation in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. As investors, policymakers and fund managers look toward the future, the need for renewable energy technologies and economic growth remains clear. READ MORE... LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT
#novogradac #bioeconomysolutions #climatechange #renewablediesel #jobs #investing #valueinvesting #impactinvesting
Residents in Dyker Heights are complaining about illegal construction and conversions of single-family homes into multiple occupancy buildings. Neighbors observed excavation and gutting of the interior of 978 Bay Ridge Parkway. They are concerned the home is being converted from a two-family home into a building housing 30-40 people. The Department of Buildings issued but then rescinded stop-work orders for the property. Community members argue the DOB is not enforcing regulations strongly enough to prevent illegal conversions, which impact neighborhood character, infrastructure, and safety.
Brave New World: Trends & Opportunities in the Emerging Green Environment(IT...Tom Barrett
Over the last two and half years we have experienced some of the greatest changes in the history of this country. The economy is only part of it. Every organization has the power and the talent when unleashed will create dramatic change. Here are the key points:
- Excess Capacity: Competition is increasing and margins are shrinking
- The Impact of Local Businesses on the Economy
- The EPA: Friend or Foe
- The Impact of Downsizing on Employee Engagement
- The Dramatically Increasing Presence of Women in Work
- Transforming Your Business by Creating Value
The two-day training event will cover available HUD funding programs under the Recovery Act to revitalize communities, including $5.25 billion for housing and community development. Day one will focus on housing programs and energy efficiency initiatives. Day two will cover community revitalization programs and best practices for managing HUD grants. Attendees will learn how to utilize programs like Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds and leverage HUD resources to address issues like affordable housing, blight, and homelessness in their communities.
The two-day training event titled "The Changing Face of Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization" will provide information about $10.1 billion in funding from HUD and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that can be used to revitalize struggling communities in 2009. The training will cover HUD programs that provide funding for affordable housing, community development, energy efficiency, and community revitalization. It will also discuss best practices for obtaining and managing HUD grants and ensuring programs meet their intended outcomes. The event will be held on April 27-28, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia.
Smart Power: the Future of Electric Utilities in the US and China, Peter Fox-...Beijing Energy Network
In the presentation Dr. Fox-Penner will be summarizing the key topics in his book, namely the shifts required in the US power grid to change from a centralized, vertically-integrated energy infrastructure to a more distributed generation infrastructure. He will cover the decarbonization of the US power sector as well as the impact of “smart grid” developments. Finally, he will contrast the US situation with that of China and talk about the impact of large amounts of renewables integration on the grid.
Understanding the Food System: How it Works and When it Doesn'tAnne Anderson
Presentation by Robyn Krock of Valley Vision (Sacramento, CA) on the basics of the farm to market to consumer food systems and what needs to be fixed to allow better distribution of healthful food to everyone.
This document provides an introduction to water infrastructure issues in the United States. It notes that our drinking water and wastewater systems received a grade of D- due to aging infrastructure. It also discusses various challenges around water supply including population growth, conservation, climate change, and water rights battles between states. Real estate professionals are often involved in local water issues and need to understand the challenges around water infrastructure and supply.
The document discusses opportunities for lifetime gifts under the current $5 million gift and estate tax exemption. It recommends maximizing annual exclusion gifts and direct payments of tuition and medical expenses before making taxable gifts. For those with large estates, it suggests taking advantage of the $5 million exemption by making lifetime gifts this year and next to potentially remove substantial wealth from one's estate. Credit shelter trusts also remain beneficial despite the portability provision, as portability expires after 2012 and trusts can reduce estate taxes.
The document provides background information on ElectriCities, NCMPA1, and NCEMPA. It discusses how they were formed in response to the 1970s energy crisis when rising costs and unreliable power threatened economic development. The crisis led cities and utilities to work together, with cities gaining permission to own generation. However, the Three Mile Island incident in 1979 led to increased regulations that drove costs higher for NCMPA1's share of Catawba nuclear plant and NCEMPA's share of Shearon Harris plant. The document reviews current power supply, governance structure, and budget details for NCMPA1 and NCEMPA.
1) Eastern Eight Community Development Corporation exceeded its goals for 2008-2009 by building 52 homes instead of the planned 40, acquiring or rehabilitating 17 existing units, and assisting over 200 households through homebuyer education.
2) They added over $6.9 million in real estate to local tax bases and assisted homeowners with over $750,000 in down payment assistance.
3) Looking ahead, Eastern Eight has secured over $2 million in grant funding for 2010 to develop new rental housing and rehabilitate existing units while expanding homeownership and counseling programs.
CDFA - Best Tax Credit Financed ProjectSDSSlideshare
The document describes the Second Line Stages project in New Orleans, which constructed a sustainable film production studio using New Markets Tax Credits. It created over 2,800 direct jobs and 2,600 indirect jobs while generating millions in tax revenues. The project helped diversify the local economy after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city's tourism industry, and also provided training to local at-risk youth.
Edelman Public Affairs - BC's Fall 2017 Legislative SittingEdelman
What did the BC NDP accomplish in its first legislative session? Edelman Vancouver’s Public Affairs team weighs in on some highlights, what’s next, and how it all unfolded. To learn more about Edelman, please visit www.edelman.ca.
1) The nuclear energy industry can increase nuclear power output in the US by 10,000 megawatts by 2012 through power uprates, improved productivity, and plant restarts. This would avoid emitting approximately 22 million metric tons of carbon and account for 21% of the President's carbon reduction goal.
2) Beyond 2012, building 50,000 megawatts of new nuclear plants in the US by 2020 could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 100 million metric tons compared to forecasts.
3) The letter expresses support for the President's carbon reduction policy and the role for nuclear energy in achieving related goals.
Zero energy housing and rural community developmentDenis Rigdon
1) The document discusses a proposed project to build energy-efficient housing in Cape Girardeau, Missouri using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
2) The project would provide job training and transition people from homelessness or substandard housing into zero-energy cost homes that produce renewable energy.
3) However, the proposal was rejected by Missouri state funding entities and the local community development group excluded residential housing from their downtown renewal plans, frustrating the goals of the project.
This document is a proposal submitted to the Mayor of Oak Valley, Texas requesting funding for road improvements. It provides background on the town's poor road conditions and lack of funding. A survey of residents found majority support a small tax to fund road repairs. The proposal explores funding options and recommends the only viable one is a small city tax, as grants require local funding matches that the town currently can't provide without a tax in place.
The Sierra Club Kern-Kaweah Chapter Fall Banquet will be held on November 15th, featuring a presentation by Jim Dodson from the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. Members are encouraged to RSVP by November 12th for the six-course Chinese dinner and program. The document also summarizes several California ballot propositions, endorsing propositions 1A for high-speed rail and 2 for farm animal treatment. It expresses support for T. Boone Pickens' energy plan to increase wind and solar power and use natural gas for vehicles.
- Eastern Eight Community Development Corporation completed 26 new construction homes and rehabilitated 21 existing units in fiscal year 2008.
- They expanded their rental property portfolio to include 29 units and began construction of 4 group homes for special needs tenants.
- The organization provided homebuyer education to 254 households, housing counseling to 42 households, and foreclosure prevention assistance to 20 homeowners. They also continued youth development programs in 3 cities.
- Looking ahead, Eastern Eight received over $760,000 in new funding, positioning them to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and expand programs like homeownership counseling and green building initiatives.
Maximize your time and grant seeking effort with insider information about which funders will or won’t have grant money to give in 2011. Renee will share information with you that she has learned from her grant maker colleagues — information that is not on funder websites. Also, find out about funding trends for the next few years to help you position your organization and plan for the future.
Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people. ̶ Dennis Prager
Darwin's housing market is showing signs of slowing after years of strong growth. House price growth has slowed to 2.14% for the quarter, down from previous periods. Building approvals decreased by 27.75% and housing finance commitments fell by 8.38%. Rental vacancies remain extremely low at 0.3% and rents rose by 6-8% in the quarter, indicating continued strong demand. However, slowing unit sales and oversupply of units may dampen further price rises as uncertainty in the mining sector impacts the local economy. Major projects in gas, infrastructure and defense should help offset potential slowing in the labor market.
This document discusses issues related to land contamination and residential properties. It notes that about 80% of single family homes in the UK receive some form of environmental screening during the home buying process. It also discusses three main issues related to land contamination: groundwater contamination, soil contamination, and vapor intrusion. Finally, it emphasizes that both toxic site data and historical information are important to properly assess potential contamination risks at a given property.
Novogradac Coverage of BioEconomy Solutions Renewable Diesel Plantvgarlington
A renewable diesel plant in South Carolina is expected to create jobs and growth for renewable technologies.
By: Caroline Gallegos,Staff Writer, NOVOGRADAC
Renewable energy technology was already a growing industry, but as unemployment skyrockets, a new renewable diesel plant could play an important role in economic recovery and job creation in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. As investors, policymakers and fund managers look toward the future, the need for renewable energy technologies and economic growth remains clear. READ MORE... LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT
#novogradac #bioeconomysolutions #climatechange #renewablediesel #jobs #investing #valueinvesting #impactinvesting
Residents in Dyker Heights are complaining about illegal construction and conversions of single-family homes into multiple occupancy buildings. Neighbors observed excavation and gutting of the interior of 978 Bay Ridge Parkway. They are concerned the home is being converted from a two-family home into a building housing 30-40 people. The Department of Buildings issued but then rescinded stop-work orders for the property. Community members argue the DOB is not enforcing regulations strongly enough to prevent illegal conversions, which impact neighborhood character, infrastructure, and safety.
Brave New World: Trends & Opportunities in the Emerging Green Environment(IT...Tom Barrett
Over the last two and half years we have experienced some of the greatest changes in the history of this country. The economy is only part of it. Every organization has the power and the talent when unleashed will create dramatic change. Here are the key points:
- Excess Capacity: Competition is increasing and margins are shrinking
- The Impact of Local Businesses on the Economy
- The EPA: Friend or Foe
- The Impact of Downsizing on Employee Engagement
- The Dramatically Increasing Presence of Women in Work
- Transforming Your Business by Creating Value
The two-day training event will cover available HUD funding programs under the Recovery Act to revitalize communities, including $5.25 billion for housing and community development. Day one will focus on housing programs and energy efficiency initiatives. Day two will cover community revitalization programs and best practices for managing HUD grants. Attendees will learn how to utilize programs like Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds and leverage HUD resources to address issues like affordable housing, blight, and homelessness in their communities.
The two-day training event titled "The Changing Face of Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization" will provide information about $10.1 billion in funding from HUD and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that can be used to revitalize struggling communities in 2009. The training will cover HUD programs that provide funding for affordable housing, community development, energy efficiency, and community revitalization. It will also discuss best practices for obtaining and managing HUD grants and ensuring programs meet their intended outcomes. The event will be held on April 27-28, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia.
The two-day training event titled "The Changing Face of Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization" will examine how to utilize over $10 billion in funding from HUD and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to revitalize struggling communities. The training will cover HUD programs that provide funding for affordable housing, community development, energy efficiency, and combating homelessness. Attendees will learn how to manage HUD grants and ensure funding is used effectively to meet economic and community development goals. The event will be held on April 27-28, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia and costs $299 per day or $499 for both days.
OverviewIntroduction to WeatherizationPeople are using more en.docxalfred4lewis58146
This document provides an overview of weatherization and energy efficiency. It discusses how buildings consume a large amount of energy and resources. It describes the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program established in 1976 to help low-income families make their homes more energy efficient. The document outlines the purpose and goals of conducting an energy audit to evaluate a home's energy usage and recommend efficiency upgrades. It also describes various organizations and standards involved in green building, energy efficiency certification, and rating home energy performance.
The document announces a two-day training event on April 27-28, 2009 in Washington DC about revitalizing communities using funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The training will cover HUD programs that provide funding for affordable housing, community development, energy efficiency, and addressing homelessness. It will teach attendees how to obtain and manage HUD grants for community redevelopment programs.
1. People Incorporated of Virginia provides affordable housing and weatherization services. They have developed several low-income housing complexes that are Energy Star certified or Earthcraft certified.
2. They serve as the general contractor for Sweetbriar, a development using green building techniques like sealed base plates and spray foam insulation.
3. People Incorporated also coordinates homeownership programs and provides services like rehabilitation, preservation, and permanent supportive housing. They aim to incorporate more green jobs and renewable energy into their work.
This report captures the status of residential new construction program offered by utilities in the southwestern states. It includes program participation data, budget, energy savings, and key program highlights. It provides recommendations to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy (DOE) on ways to assist utilities in the development and implementation of their programs.
Please join Jennifer Schaus & Associates every Wednesday Friday in 2022 for a complimentary webinar series. See the full recording on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYvCaZcAvSYYEAZCqj2CQ9g and full schedule on our website: https://www.jenniferschaus.com/far-supplements
For more information about our federal contracting services please contact us at hello@jenniferschaus.com
Win more federal government contracts!
This document summarizes innovations in wind and solar PV financing based on interviews with over 30 industry stakeholders. It finds that while utilities traditionally financed projects through long-term power purchase agreements, the market is seeing new ownership models emerge. Merchant wind projects without long-term contracts are becoming more common due to tools like derivatives that mitigate risk. Renewable energy certificates are also an increasingly important revenue stream. As developers partner with larger companies, more financing options will become available. Investors are diversifying investments through structured debt, equity partnerships, and possibly hedge funds. Overall, the renewable energy market is maturing and innovative financing strategies are expanding investment opportunities.
The document summarizes the Alliance to Save Energy, a nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficiency worldwide. It discusses the organization's mission and operations, highlights the importance of energy efficiency in the US, and outlines policy efforts and programs that have helped advance energy efficiency. These include the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, building codes, appliance standards, financing mechanisms, and residential and commercial retrofit initiatives and incentives.
The document discusses the causes of the housing market downturn in Chicago and nationally. It argues that the primary cause was a lack of housing affordability as home prices grew much faster than incomes from 2004-2007. Creative financing using subprime mortgages allowed home prices to surge far beyond affordable levels for median income earners. Now that subprime lending has collapsed, home prices remain too high and sales have dropped dramatically as traditional lending standards have returned. The recovery will require a shift to more affordable home prices aligned with median incomes.
Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction, Inc. - Connecticut BuilderDavid Richard
At Coastal Homes of Marco Island, we understand that when you choose a builder, you are not buying a commodity, you are developing a relationship. Kent Pecoy works closely with each client, for a streamlined custom-building process, so customers have an exceptional experience from the initial consultation all the way through project completion, to ensure the dream home you envisioned is fully brought to life.
The document summarizes key trends in the solar energy sector from 2009-2010, during the economic downturn. It discusses how the extension of tax credits in stimulus packages benefited existing solar projects but made financing new projects difficult due to lack of profits. While subsidies are expected to drive long-term growth, the $117.6 million allocated in stimulus funds was not seen as an impressive amount. The document also reviews trends in the credit market, state budgets, residential foreclosures and outlines provisions of legislation renewing solar tax credits through 2016.
Louisiana just wrapped up its 2010 Legislative Session. They passed a number of laws (now effective) that relate to sustainable practices and the green building industry. These slides were presented to the Greater New Orleans, Inc. and Green N.O. 2010 "Green" Legislative Briefing on September 8, 2010. The presentation was given by Scott Wolfe Jr., founding member of Wolfe Law Group and Louisiana's first LEED AP attorney.
BDPA Washington DC newsletter published in September 2011. A wide variety of articles in this publication including a review of the 2011 BDPA Technology Conference held last month in Chicago.
This document discusses the impact of foreclosures on communities. It notes that 1 in 5 US foreclosures are in California, and over 1/3 of California homeowners owe more than their homes are worth. Deregulation in 1999 led to an explosion of risky subprime loans and predatory lending. Current foreclosures are due to high unemployment. The document outlines the costs of foreclosures to home values, tax bases, and local governments. It advocates for principal reduction programs and stronger regulations to help homeowners and communities impacted by foreclosures.
Fact Sheet: Solar Myths & Misconceptions - The Costs of Going SolarThe Solar Foundation
This document from The Solar Foundation dispels common myths about the costs of solar energy. It summarizes that the upfront costs of solar installations can be challenging but financing options like power purchase agreements or solar leases allow homeowners to adopt solar without large upfront costs. Solar panels have low maintenance needs and typically pay for themselves within 7-15 years, with some areas seeing payback in as little as 5 years. Installing solar can also increase property values and help homes sell faster.
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07 08 10 natl energy rating program rfi comment letter
1. Vicki Cox Golder
CRB
President
Dale A. Stinton
CAE, CPA, CMA, RCE
500 New Jersey Avenue, N.W. Chief Executive Officer
Washington, DC 20001-2020
202.383.1194 Fax 202.383.7580 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIVISION
www.realtors.org/governmentaffairs Jerry Giovaniello, Senior Vice President
Gary Weaver, Vice President
Joe Ventrone, Vice President
Jamie Gregory, Deputy Chief Lobbyist
July 10, 2010
U. S. Department of Energy
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE-1)
1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20585
Attn: National Energy Rating Program for Homes, Jessica Balsam
To whom it may concern:
On behalf of the 1.1 million members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), I am writing in
response to the recent Request For Information published in the Federal Register on a proposed National
Energy Rating Program for Homes.
On October 19, 2009, Vice-President Biden announced the development of a major federal government
initiative, the Recovery Through Retrofit program. This program seeks to create a national home energy
retrofit market by providing: (1) access to home energy retrofit information; (2) access to home energy
retrofit financing methods; and (3) access to a trained home energy retrofit workforce.
NAR strongly supports providing property owners with the education, incentives and resources they need to
voluntarily improve their homes and save energy. NAR appreciates the emphasis on the voluntary nature of
the program and that the Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing this request for information on the various
aspects of a program at an early stage in its development process. However, the Federal Register notice
description of the program was often vague and confusing at times. It was difficult to provide fully informed
feedback when critical details are omitted and the comment period is so short. NAR is very concerned that
this proposal intends to use the home buying process as the vehicle to incorporate the labeling of homes, but
the DOE failed to address this possibility in the notice. NAR strongly opposes the concept of point-of-sale
trigger for this information. If the goal is energy efficient homes and buildings, the most effective approach
would be to provide the financial resources and incentives that educate and empower property owners to
make needed energy improvements.
Utilizing unreliable home rating systems will not lead to home energy use reductions. When buyers hold all
the cards at the closing table and too many homeowners have no savings to finance energy improvements,
transaction-based triggers only serve to send conflicting market signals – without any assurances that needed
energy improvements will be made.
Attached are additional comments and perspectives on the Request for Information regarding the proposed
National Energy Rating Program for Homes. If you have questions regarding these comments, please contact
Russell W. Riggs, Senior Regulatory Representative, 202-383-1259 or via e-mail at rriggs@realtors.org.
Sincerely,
Vicki Cox Golder, CRB
2010 President, National Association of REALTORS®
REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate
professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.
2. COMMENTS ON THE NATIONAL ENERGY RATING PROGRAM FOR HOMES
NAR Supports the General Goals of the National Energy Rating Program for Homes
As described in the Federal Register Request for Information, the primary goal of the National Energy Rating
Program for Homes (the Program) is to spur home energy improvements or retrofits. NAR supports
providing consumers with meaningful and reliable information about building energy efficiency if they are
interested in the information and it will help them to improve the energy efficiency of their home. NAR also
appreciates the emphasis that DOE places on the voluntary nature of the program.
While NAR supports reasonable approaches and incentives to advance consumer information about reducing
their energy use, right now our membership questions whether the information DOE is proposing to provide
would help interested consumers improve the energy efficiency of real estate. This information has the
potential to fundamentally change real estate transactions. However, any information provided must be
meaningful, reliable and not convey a false sense of precision about something as complicated, diverse and
variable as the energy use of real property. Whatever information the Department provides, our membership
is in a unique position to advance the goals of the program. It is in the Department’s interest to work with
real estate professionals who understand what kinds of information consumers want and find useful. If the
information is not accurate, reliable or characterized appropriately, it could be misused in the home
selling/buying process which does not serve a public purpose and is contrary to the stated goals of this
program.
NAR applauds the DOE for publishing a request for information on the program at an early stage. However,
the comment period did not offer us sufficient time to conduct necessary research or fully seek the feedback
of our membership that could have greatly informed the proposal. The description of the program was often
vague and confusing at times with critical details omitted. For example, NAR is very concerned that DOE did
not address whether this proposal could use the home buying process as the vehicle to mandate energy use
labeling of homes. NAR strongly opposes this concept. If the goal is energy efficient homes and buildings,
the most effective new programs would provide the financial resources and incentives that educate and
empower property owners to make needed energy improvements. Triggering requirements at the time of sale
will not lead to energy saving behavior. Transaction-based triggers only drive down home values – without
any assurances that needed energy improvements will be made.
Labeling every structure in America will not, in and of itself, improve the energy efficiency of homes or
buildings. Owners must act on the information by taking the next steps and making energy-related
improvements such as replacing aging heating and cooling systems, appliances and windows.
However, many homeowners have seen their financial well-being shaken in the past five years. Jobs and
tenants have been lost, savings have eroded and property values have plummeted. Without savings or equity,
many lack the financial resources to make the energy improvements they already know they need to make.
Energy labels stigmatize older properties and make it harder for these individuals to build equity. Labels also
reduce sales prices when sellers are forced into negotiated price reductions in order to compete in today’s
very competitive buyer’s market.
According to data collected by the American Housing Survey (AHS) and analyzed by NAR, labeling real
estate will create disproportional impacts on owners of older properties. More than 60% of U.S. homes were
built prior to 1980 when the first building energy codes were established, and face relatively larger losses in
property value due to building labels. These properties will require more improvements than newer properties
in order to match labeling scores and maintain their value.
According to the AHS data, a large share of these older properties are also owned and occupied by
populations which tend to live on modest or fixed incomes, and are least able to afford these improvements
3. without significant financial assistance. These populations include 73% of elderly, 69% of impoverished and
64% of Hispanic and black owners.
Labels will not only stigmatize older homes but the community where they are located, and which are
struggling to maintain and attract investment. There will also be regional disparities: the Northeastern United
States, where older homes are concentrated, could fare worse than the South and West. Rural communities
could be especially hard hit, as a substantial proportion of homes in those areas were built prior to 1980.
Before branding homes and buildings with labels, consumers require a better understanding of energy
efficiency and the tools to turn information into action. NAR supports:
A. Raising public awareness about energy efficiency programs and information.
B. Encouraging the federal government and the states to provide financial incentives to consumers
to improve homes and buildings.
By developing the infrastructure and education, and providing the right incentives, property owners will make
the energy improvements that will achieve the energy savings needed.
Key Elements of the National Energy Rating Program for Homes
The Request for Information describes the Program’s Guiding Principles and the key elements that would
guide the implementation and operation of the Program. NAR’s comments and concerns with these specific
components of the proposed program are described below:
1. The Basic Performance Metric
DOE is proposing to provide for each home its annual source energy consumption as the primary
performance metric (adjusted for square footage and climate zone) and use a national conversion factor
to convert site electricity use to source energy consumed.
The “source energy” metric is defined as all the energy used in delivering energy to a site, including
power generation, transmission and distribution losses, to perform a specific function, such as space
conditioning, lighting or water heating.
NAR Comments: For the general public, the discussion in this section is particularly vague and difficult to
follow. It was not clear exactly what metric the DOE envisioned using (BTUs?). The distinction between
“source” and “site” energy is confusing and probably not clear to many. When focusing on a home’s
energy profile, consumers are not thinking about the total energy it takes “upstream” for all the different
energy providers to supply the home; they are interested in energy use at the site of the home.
While the DOE states that measuring home energy consumption could be a more accurate measure, this
is a more difficult unit of measurement for the average consumer to understand. Cost estimates, by
comparison, would be easier to grasp, although we do appreciate the complexities and difficulties in
adjusting for a range of real-world factors. We agree that greenhouse gas information should not be the
primary program metric. In our membership’s experience, very few – if any – consumers request or are
interested in that information.
2. Ratings
According to the DOE, the specification of the rating method is critical for an effective home energy
performance program. An “asset” rating approach reflects a home’s energy performance based on the
home’s physical characteristics, using a set of standard operating assumptions. An “operational” rating
method is based on the actual energy use of a home’s current occupants and is often calculated by
looking at energy data from utility bills.
4. DOE proposes to utilize an asset rating that would result from using a prescribed set of data, data
collection methods, and calculations. The DOE is undertaking additional work to develop specific data,
collection methods and calculations, as well as developing adjustments for home size and climate.
NAR Comments: The section explains operational versus asset ratings but then introduces concepts of
efficiency versus consumption ratings without relating back. While we would agree that an “operational”
or combined asset/operational rating would not provide reliable, replicable, transparent or verifiable data
and should not be used, “asset” ratings pose similar challenges.
Recently, Earth Advantage evaluated the EPS asset rating and found that the most accurate predictions
were still off by 25 MBtu (or 25% of the average of 101 MBtu). And half the homes sampled had a
prediction off by more than 25 MBtu. (“Energy Performance Score Report,” prepared for the Energy
Trust of Oregon by the Earth Advantage Institute and Conservation Services Group, August 2009.) In
the same report, Earth Advantage cited a 2002 study by Pigg, S. of the ENERGY STAR® Homes
Program that found similar absolute errors associated with the Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
software.
Past experience with other energy rating systems of existing homes has demonstrated real concerns about
the expense, efficacy and reliability of these systems. For example, according the EPA’s Energy Star
program, the cost of the rating to the homeowner can range from $200 to $800 per home just for new
construction, depending on the region, the type and size of the home, and individual market dynamics.
The cost for existing home ratings can be significantly higher.
In addition, existing home energy ratings rely on unregulated third-party training, administration and
oversight. This has already caused problems in Austin, TX, which recently mandated energy efficiency
audits before a home over ten years old can be sold, and in California, where some municipalities require
home energy audits prior to sale. In Toronto, Canada, home energy audits mandates were considered and
rejected after news reports described situations where different auditing firms arrived at wide ranging
energy ratings scores and recommended very different, but all very pricey, efficiency retrofits. Often the
home energy rater is also the one making the home improvements, which raises significant questions
about conflicts of interest.
An asset rating, as DOE is proposing, does not take into account one of the most critical factors of
energy use in a home – how energy is used by the home’s occupants. The characteristics of the home’s
occupant and their energy use behavior can have a significant impact – all other factors being equal, a
family with four small children will have a very different home energy use profile than a single person.
The asset rating approach does not take these factors into account, and as a result will provide an
accurate assessment of the energy use in a home.
3. Scales and Reference Points
The scales and reference points component refer to ways to help the consumer and home owner
understand home energy performance, how one home’s energy use compares to another home’s, and
opportunities that may exist within the home to improve those ratings. According to the DOE,
understanding how a home compares to others – particularly homes in the same general area – has been
identified as information that can help motivate consumers to make changes.
As an initial approach, the DOE intends to use an absolute numeric scale without converting to a point
scale, complemented with key comparisons/benchmarks, such as:
- The home’s energy performance with improvements;
- A national average home of similar size; or
5. - A new home in the state or locality
NAR Comments: Experience has shown that expensive and unreliable measuring tools, wielded by
untrained and unqualified auditors, drives up the costs of conducting these audits and retrofitting the
home, and sends conflicting price signals to the real estate market. NAR is deeply skeptical that there is a
one-size-fits-all numerical rating system that would accurately capture the variability in energy
performance across the diversity of homes and urges the Administration to discard a numerical based
approach. We agree that a bin approach requires a level of precision that is not achievable at this point. A
100-point numerical scale also implies a level of precision that is false and could mislead consumers: what
exactly is the difference between a ratings score of “75” versus “76”? Are the ratings tools refined enough
to detect a meaningful 1-point difference between homes?
According to Realtors®, most consumers who make the decision to retrofit are not doing so based on
how their home stacks up against their neighbor’s. “Keeping up with the Jones” is not the basis for
sound public policy. What motivates consumers is how their home would compare before versus after
the retrofit. This is particularly important as the Congress is considering several proposals that would
base the amount of rebate or another financial incentive on the percentage improvement in a home’s
energy performance as a result of retrofitting. Comparing home energy performance across homes, and
not just a “before/after” retrofit comparison of a single home, poses significant concerns to the real
estate industry. Comparisons of home energy performance among different homes would penalize and
stigmatize certain kinds of homes, and provide other kinds of homes with an artificial competitive
advantage. For example, older housing stock in urban areas in the Northeast would not measure up to
the energy efficiency performance of a new home in the West, without expensive and extensive energy
efficiency retrofits. The goal should be a level playing field, but home-to-home comparisons just make
things worse.
4. Recommendations for Energy Efficiency Improvements
The DOE intends to develop a standardized, consistent system to estimate potential energy savings from
home improvements and a list of recommendations.
NAR Comments: This is redundant. There are numerous options in the private sector (namely utilities) for
homeowners to receive this information. Most homeowners are probably already aware that adding
insulation, duct sealing, replacing filters, and installing low-energy light bulbs or a programmable
thermostat are among the more cost-effective ways to save on energy bills. However, to the extent that
some would be interested in having annual savings estimates associated with such improvements to a
typical home, we would support providing that information in lieu of providing numerical ratings of one
home with another which will only stigmatize older homes without assuring energy improvements to
homes.
5. Presenting Information to the Consumer
The DOE is exploring options for presenting information on a home’s energy performance and
opportunities for energy savings. The DOE will test different ways of presenting information in a simple,
straightforward way to consumers.
NAR Comments: How DOE presents home energy performance information could be the single most
important factor that determines the success or failure of this program. However, in the notice, the
Department merely states that it is exploring options for presenting that information and offers two
examples in an appendix. As stated, “[t]his information must be presented in a simple enough form for
consumers to readily understand,” yet there is no discussion of the various approaches the Department
could take to present the information. Rather than making a commitment to test different formats, DOE
could have used the opportunity of a Federal Register request for information to provide those formats
6. and request public comment on which ones were the most simple, straightforward and easy to
understand. There was no indication if the information will be provided electronically or as a certificate
or label to be affixed to a window or furnace.
NAR is strongly opposed to development or public disclosure of a label that could be used to stigmatize
older homes or reduce property values at the time of sale. This concerns Realtors® because of the many
questions the label would present to homeowners, home buyers and consumers.
First, how would this label be displayed? Would it be included in the mortgage documents or would it be
affixed somehow in the home? Would this label, or the information it includes, be disclosed to a potential
buyer, and at what point would this disclosure occur? All of these issues regarding a label and the
information it contains have implications for the owner and the value of the property. NAR does not
want good intentions on the part of the homeowner to hurt the value of their home or their equity stake
in the home.
6. National Home Energy Registry
The DOE intends to establish a voluntary national home energy registry that would likely have a public
dimension accessible to anyone and a private dimension accessible only to the homeowner or program
that provided the information. Certain general information would be required for those homes that
participate in the program. According to the DOE, the information collected and analyzed for this
registry would be kept confidential and would only be provided in aggregate form to minimize use of
personal information.
NAR Comments: A national home energy registry poses great concerns to NAR because of the privacy
concerns that could arise. How will DOE ensure that any information that is collected on the energy
performance of an individual home will be kept confidential? It must be kept in mind by the DOE that a
home is most people’s largest financial investment, and any information related to the performance of
that property could have dramatic and negative impacts on the value of the home. If the home performs
poorly on home energy usage and the information is somehow made public, this could destroy the value
of the home and the owner could be harmed financially. NAR would recommend that this registry idea is
dropped from the program, and the DOE begins to evaluate other ways to collect this kind of
information.
7. Quality Assurance
The DOE states it will develop systems that will ensure that the information provided under the Program
is accurate, reliable and consistently generated. Quality assurance requirements would be developed for
contractors conducting the audits and assessments, the home energy performance audit tool and third
party verification systems.
NAR Comments: The Administration should proceed carefully when developing a national set of
guidelines and standards that address uniform certification and training for workers entering this new
green jobs market. While NAR recognizes the need to ensure reliability for this work, too many standards
and training criteria will stifle entrepreneurial job creation and hinder the ability of small businesses to
respond to rising retrofit demand. If one cliché bears repeating, it is the trope that “one size” guidelines
coming from inside the Beltway generally do not fit all the varying markets across the country. The
Administration must strike a careful balance between creating a consistent set of guidelines that will
increase consumer confidence and promote a stable and reliable national home retrofit workplace on one
hand, and ensuring that local businesses are not hindered in their market responses to demand for this
work on the other.
Conclusion – NAR Seeks a Win-Win Scenario
7. As Realtors® respond to growing consumer demand for green housing, NAR policy supports a voluntary,
incentive-based approach to energy efficiency retrofits of existing housing. Such an approach would sustain
the current green trends, and make them a more permanent feature in the marketplace. This, in the view of
Realtors®, provides a “win-win” scenario by allowing for vigorous economic growth while improving the
environment.
The Federal government provides important public research, capital and economic incentives, such as the
current tax credit for energy efficient home improvements which spurs demand and interest. However, NAR
believes that government should be limited to this role: leading the way with green Federal buildings,
providing for research that spurs innovation and most importantly, keeping the market fluid and free of
mandates, and encouraging robust consumer education programs.
NAR members have shown that green buildings are both proactive and profitable, primarily because current
programs have allowed the market to respond to specific conservation needs in a geographic and market area.
NAR supports a national green building and home energy efficiency retrofit program that is flexible and
market-driven; encourages continued growth in green construction that protects options for consumers in all
markets; and preserves, protects, and promotes the health of our environment.
NAR appreciates the opportunity to provide our perspectives on the Recovery Through Retrofit National
Energy Rating Program for Homes initiative. If you have questions regarding these comments, please contact
Russell W. Riggs, Senior Regulatory Representative, at 202-383-1259 or rriggs@realtors.org.