National Trust for Historic Preservation Supports Inclusion Of Rep. Peter Welch's Retrofit For Energy And Environmental Performance Program Act In The American Clean Energy And Security Act Of 2009
Posted March 31, 2009 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
The National Trust for Historic Preservation today offered its enthusiastic support for the inclusion of Rep. Peter Welch's Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) Program Act (H.R. 1778) in the American Clean Energy and Secutiry Act of 2009, introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman and Rep. Edward Markey. REEP would fund state and municipal investments up to half the cost of retrofitting the nation's existing homes and buildings.
"This is an important next step for much needed legislation that would create jobs while promoting building reuse, reinvestment in older communities, and the greening of existing buildings to combat climate change. The National Trust for Historic Preservation will work vigorously with Representatives Welch, Waxman, Markey and others to enact this legislation," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "With more than 43 percent of the nation's carbon emissions coming from the operation of buildings, reusing and improving the energy efficiency of older and historic buildings is an essential part of a sustainable future."
REEP would spur efficiency investments by giving homeowners and businesses direct incentives, interest rate subsidies and credit support based on the percentage increase in energy efficiency they achieve. Funding for the program would go to the states through the existing State Energy Program formula, which has a built-in small state minimum, and provides additional financial incentives to states with high-performing programs.
The aims of the REEP provisions are very much in line with the National Trust for Historic Preservation Sustainability Program, which is focusing the nation's attention on the importance of reusing existing buildings and reinvesting in older and historic communities as critical elements in combating climate change. REEP includes a premium for historic structures that encourages their owners to make appropriate energy efficiency improvements. Rehabilitation offers numerous environmental and energy saving benefits, and also creates jobs. One study found that $1 million invested in the rehabilitation of an existing building creates 9-13 more jobs than the same $1 million invested in new construction, because rehabilitation is more labor-intensive than new construction. It requires more man-hours and fewer materials.
As part of its Sustainability Program, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is partnering with select cities to operate Preservation Green Labs, which will create policies and protocols for sustainable development. On Wednesday, March 25, the Preservation Green Lab in Seattle was officially announced by Seattle Mayor Gregory J. Nickels and Mr. Moe.
For more information about the Preservation Green Lab, go to: www.preservationnation.org/issues/sustainability/green-lab.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately-funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future. www.PreservationNation.org
