March 5, 2007


The Honorable Adam Smith
2402 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Smith:

I am writing as the President and CEO of the National Housing Conference (NHC) to support the High Performance Buildings Act of 2007, which encourages communities to include sustainable development practices in the development of affordable housing, provides a grant program to increase sustainable development activities in low-income communities, as well as establishing the Sustainable Building Institute at the National Science Foundation to research the connection between indoor environmental quality, human health and productivity and to develop and implement innovative renewable energy approaches. 

NHC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership association dedicated to advancing affordable housing and community development causes.  A membership drawn from every industry segment forms the foundation for NHC’s broad, nonpartisan advocacy for national policies and legislation that promote suitable housing in a safe, decent environment across the nation.

By improving energy efficiency, and thereby reducing energy-related costs, this legislation will help make housing more affordable for low-income families, for whom energy costs are the largest single housing expense after shelter and food.  Additionally, modest improvements in the energy efficiency of housing can also help free up operating funds for capital needs and improved maintenance.

We thank you for your leadership on this innovative solution which will increase affordable housing opportunities for many low-income families.

Sincerely,

Conrad E. Egan
President and CEO