Successful Capitol Hill Visits Promote Sustainability Agenda

by Tracy Ostroff
Associate Editor

Lawmakers and congressional aides greeted nearly 800 architects and Institute leaders last week during Advocacy Day visits to Capitol Hill. The AIA contingents reported successful meetings in the Senate and House offices, where they stressed action on energy efficiency in federal buildings, sustainable design and water quality, and tax deductions for energy-efficient commercial buildings. The Grassroots advocates said the AIA issues agenda and message resonated with policymakers on both sides of the aisle, resulting in promises of support for AIA legislative priorities.

For about 35 members of the AIA Illinois component, for example, the day started at 8:30 a.m. with a constituent breakfast hosted by Illinois Sens. Barack Obama and Richard Durbin. Fueled by a handshake and a photo opportunity with the lawmakers, the architects’ then met with the senators’ aides to express their support for the AIA’s issues agenda. They engaged on issues of energy efficient practices in federal buildings, the benefits of extending and expanding tax deductions for energy efficient commercial buildings, and the importance of the 2030 Challenge for carbon neutral buildings. They received positive feedback from the staff member in both offices.

Jonna L. Hamilton, a fellow in Durbin’s office, noted the senator’s long-standing support for sustainability initiatives and said he views global warming as an issue of national security. “The senator recognizes we have to do something, and we have to do something fast. It all wraps together in this office. I can’t imagine he wouldn’t support it.”

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) enthusiastically agreed with the architects’ message, particularly noting the idea of promoting energy efficient buildings and homes. “I will sponsor the bills the AIA supports,” he told his constituents. Like many of the other lawmakers and aides, he advised the architects to keep his office abreast of when the issues advance in the chamber and to provide more information on how the legislation would affect the profession.

North Carolina: Credible Voice
The AIA North Carolina chapter met with Rep. Virginia Foxx (R), and with Rep. Brad Miller (D), aides to Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R), Rep. Brad Miller (D), Rep. Howard Coble (R), and Patrick McHenry (R). The North Carolina representatives responded enthusiastically to the positions presented by AIA North Carolina.

AIA North Carolina President Walton R. Teague, AIA, was encouraged. “We had an opportunity to make our constituency aware of sustainability issues and it helped me to see that there is bipartisanship and common ground for what we are advocating.”

Teague notes the representatives recognized that the AIA is a ready resource. “We had issues that they seemed to perk up and respond to definitively. Virginia Foxx even spoke of how sustainable issues are being integrated into her own life. I say it was a success in making them aware that the AIA is here and that they have an ally for sustainability, and that we are a resource for sustainable solutions.”