NAR Responds To Cap and Trade Concerns

by Dave Phillips

CEO, PA Association of Realtors

Author website

Since Greg’s post last week stirred up some good discussion of what NAR should be doing about the crazy energy bill, I thought I’d pass along the official word from NAR.  Personally, I think the Senate is going to kill or “fix” the bill – after all, they will actually have time to read it, discuss it, and have dialog with the public BEFORE they vote on it.

From NAR

What Does the House-Passed Climate Bill Do?
The American Clean Energy and Security Act, which passed the House recently, takes a multi-pronged approach to improving energy efficiency and NAR weighed in primarily to ensure existing homes and buildings are made exempt from the bill’s energy labeling program. That effort was successful. The bill limits the energy labeling provisions to new construction. The legislation addresses NAR concerns in other ways: 1) prohibits EPA from regulating carbon emissions from residential and commercial buildings under the Clean Air Act, 2) eliminates a proposal to bolster a private right of action (making it easier for citizens to sue over minor climate risks), and 3) provides property owners with financial incentives to make energy efficiency and other property improvements. The Senate must pass its version, but timing is uncertain. A summary of issues is available online.

Should NAR be more aggressive in fighting this legislation?  Maybe, but maybe they are better off watering down the important uber-crazy items like mandatory energy ratings.  Also, NAR likely feels they have a better chance of success with the Senate.  Just read former Senate Majority Leaders Trent Lott’s book Herding Cats to see how hard this will be to get through the Senate.  Even with a Democratic Majority of 60 it will be very hard to get this passed.  The fight is just starting and I applaud Greg for his justifiable outrage.