December 21, 2007—President Bush signed into law historic energy legislation Wednesday that will shape US energy policy for decades to come. The law seeks to dramatically reduce US energy consumption over the next 25 years by applying the American Institute of Architect’s 2030 carbon-reducing targets to federal buildings, increasing fuel efficiency standards for automobiles, and establishing new energy efficiency standards for appliances.
The new law includes numerous provisions advocated by the AIA to promote sustainable design in the built environment. Christine W. McEntee, the AIA’s executive vice president and chief executive officer, praised the efforts of policymakers as she attended the bill-signing ceremony at the Department of Energy’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. “In crafting this law, Congress and the president have recognized what architects have long known: that improving the energy efficiency of our buildings will do more to promote energy independence and reduce our nation’s reliance on fossil fuels,”
For more information, see the AIA Web site.
