The recent March 14, 2023, in-person RESNET Board of Directors meeting in Washington, DC presented an opportunity for Board members to “spread the word” on energy efficiency to Congress. RESNET Washington representative Carl Chidlow coordinated visits by RESNET Board members, with RESNET staff support, to Capitol Hill to meet with their Congressional delegations the day after the Board meeting, on March 15. RESNET’s Board members met with targeted Senate and House offices to discuss RESNET 2023 federal advocacy priorities, including timely federal agency implementation for the energy efficient new homes federal 45L tax credit, enhanced energy efficiency underwriting methods for veteran and active military families through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Program, and the workforce development and existing home retrofit programs recently enacted by Congress. With a new Congress in session, there is no better time to introduce RESNET and, the HERS® industry to new members and refresh the memories of the returning Congressmen and Senators. In addition, during the last session, Congress appropriated billions of dollars for residential energy efficiency. We want to ensure the money is spent effectively and provides opportunities for our industry. Efforts like these can be very important, as demonstrated by RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden’s work with Congressman, Mike Levin that led to the VA energy efficient loan program being enacted into law. Together, we can make our voices heard in Washington!
