Code Development & Compliance Discussed in House Hearing
Code Council CEO Rick Weiland and fellow Congressional witnesses agreed that compliance with energy efficiency codes could be better achieved with federal financial support for code departments, and that the Code Council’s code development process is the proper forum for continued development of codes to reach national energy efficiency goals. The Hearing titled “Climate Benefits of Improved Building Energy Efficiency” took place July 17th before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality. Endorsements for ICC’s code development process and call for code compliance came from witnesses for the Department of Energy, National Association of Home Builders, the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition and Environment America.
On July 9th The House passed HR 4461; it is now referred to the Senate Banking Committee along with the Senate companion bill, S 2458. The Senate Committee could act on House or Senate version of the bill. After it passes out of Committee, it goes to the Senate for a vote.
Please contact your legislators, click here to write to your Senator requesting support for the CBCAG.
The Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007
The Code Council has been working across the country to enhance the public awareness of the role of America’s building and fire code officials. These dedicated professionals are at work daily but are not always as visible or publicly recognized and appreciated as other public safety officials.
Our efforts to raise the visibility of code officials on Capitol Hill are focused on the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act (CBCAG). The CBCAG Act was introduced on December 12, 2007 as S. 2458 by Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, and as H.R. 4461 by Congressman Dennis Moore of Kansas. This legislation will authorize a grant program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. When enacted and funded, the CBCAG will provide competitively evaluated federal grants, locally matched, to jurisdictions who seek to build-up their local building and fire code administration and enforcement capabilities.
The Code Council encourages you to review this bill and briefing materials presented below. To take individual action in support of the adoption of the CBCAG, please use the link below to our web-based tool that will assist you in preparing a letter to Congress, complete with sample text. For group or community action, a sample resolution for adoption and transmittal to Congress is available. For additional information on how you or your organization can support the adoption of the CBCAG, please contact us through the links at the bottom of this page.
Attention ICC Chapters! To support the CBCAG and participate in the Chapter Advocacy program, click here.
Contact Us
Sara Yerkes
Senior Vice President, Government Relations
1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 6247
Mark Dinneen
Vice President, Congressional Relations
1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 6242
The ICC Government Relations Department acts as a nonpartisan body working with the Federal, state and local governments to educate and inform decision makers on relevant public safety matters. Code Council members should be sure to comply with all applicable Federal, state and local laws, rules and agency regulations when participating in the activities of the Code Council's Government Relations Department.
Click here for information about other Government Relations Divisions.
