>How can I not write about the economic recovery package? The talk of
\nWashington, DC, the economic recovery package is being closely followed by many
\nbusiness leaders.\u00a0 USGBC has been
\nactively working to ensure that the economic recovery package moves the U.S.
\ntoward the new green economy and related long-term economic and environmental
\nbenefits. While the possibilities are many and the opportunities for the real
\nestate market are complex, there are a few key areas that our industry will
\nwant to watch closely.<\/p>\n
The Commercial Building Tax Deduction was established by the Energy
\nPolicy Act of 2005 and permits building owners to deduct expenditures on energy-efficiency
\nimprovements to commercial properties. Many real estate groups are actively
\nseeking the expansion of funding for this program and other tax incentives within
\nthe economic recovery package.<\/p>\n
Additionally, USGBC supports robust funding for the Energy Efficiency
\nand Conservation Block Grant program through the economic recovery package.
\nThis program, which was created as part of the 2007 federal energy law, is set
\nup to provide billions of dollars for states, localities, and tribes for energy
\nefficiency and conservation projects. If funded, this program will empower
\nstates and localities to develop and expand energy efficiency-related programs
\nand investments. Such funds could be leveraged to replicate successful
\ninitiatives currently in place throughout the country, such as those offered by
\nstate energy offices and public utilities.<\/p>\n
Inevitably, funding for green building retrofits will come through many
\nsources and programs, but the directive is clear. In addition to creating
\neconomic activity and providing our economy a much needed jumpstart, these
\nmonies must contribute to a new green economy. It\u2019s also critically important
\nthat such funds be directed to retrofitting and upgrading existing buildings
\nowned by private companies, allowing the short- and long-term savings generated
\nby these improvements to strengthen bottom lines and ultimately be reinvested
\nin additional upgrades and environmental measures.<\/p>\n
If you have any comments or ideas, you can reach Marc at<\/p>\n
mheisterkamp@usgbc.org<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
>How can I not write about the economic recovery package? The talk of Washington, DC, the economic recovery package is being closely followed by many business leaders.\u00a0 USGBC has been actively working to ensure that the economic recovery package moves the U.S. toward the new green economy and related long-term economic and environmental benefits. While…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":749,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39372],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1004211552","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cpe-blog"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n