Perlmutter amendment setting energy efficiency standards for financing low/moderate income housing passes Financial Services Committee.

March 28, 2007

Recognizing the importance and priority of investing in alternative and renewable energy sources, House Financial Services Committee Chairman, Barney Frank (D-MA) appointed Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) to chair a task force on energy efficiency for the Committee.

This is a key appointment for Perlmutter, who is in his first term as a Congressman from Colorado ’s 7th Congressional District. One of Perlmutter’s top priorities for this Congress is to find ways to increase our nation’s investment in alternative and renewable energy projects. His Congressional District is home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO.


“The task force will focus on ways that we can work with financial institutions to encourage and promote energy efficient projects,” said Perlmutter. “The House leadership is committed to making energy a priority throughout all facets of our work in this Congress. I look forward to working with the Financial Services Committee to develop creative ways to promote energy efficiency projects and practices.”


As an example of this commitment, during today’s Financial Services Committee meeting, Perlmutter introduced an amendment to the Housing and Community Development Act that would set goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two of our nation’s largest home lending institutions, to encourage mortgage purchase activities that support energy efficiency standards for low and moderate income housing.


The amendment passed the committee unanimously. The bill now moves to the floor of the House of Representatives.


“Quite simply promoting energy efficiency and alternative energy projects is good for national security, good for the climate, and good for jobs,” said Perlmutter. "The possibilities are endless for incorporating smart, clean, new energy technologies throughout every facet of our lives. The reality is that the only thing holding us back is our own imagination.”