The American Institute of Architects (AIA) released its “punch list” for Congress that would jump-start construction, especially by spurring energy efficiency and infrastructure projects.
“The AIA’s Congressional punch list will help Congress satisfy its implicit contract with the American people to spur growth and create jobs,” Robert Ivy, CEO of the American Institute of Architects, said in EDC magazine.
A punch list is a list of actions that need to be taken to satisfy the terms of a contract. It includes:
Re-enact Expired Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives — Congress in December failed to extend several important tax incentives that expired on New Year’s Day, including the expiration of a tax break enacted in 2005 for energy-efficient commercial buildings. The 179D deduction allowed building owners to claim a tax deduction of $1.80 per square foot of building area to install systems that reduce the total energy and power costs by 50 percent or more when compared with a reference building.
Reforming Government Procurement Rules — More than 97 percent of architecture firms employ 50 or fewer people; every project they design leads to job opportunities for millions of construction workers. But too many laws and regulations block innovative solutions that maximize the government’s return on its investment.
Pass a Common-Sense Energy Efficiency Bill — The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved a bipartisan bill, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013 that would encourage families, businesses and the government to save energy. The legislation is sponsored by Ohio Republican Rob Portman and New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen.