Montgomery [county MA] Aims to Make Green Homes Mandatory

Washington Post ^ | April 23, 2008 | Ann E. Marimow

[Lorianne]

New homes built in Montgomery County would have to meet federal energy efficiency standards under innovative legislation approved yesterday by the County Council over the objections of builders who said that the mandate would drive up costs for consumers.

The measure, meant to reduce energy consumption by 15 to 30 percent, is part of a far-reaching environmental initiative. It includes property tax credits for residents who switch to renewable energy, a requirement that residents disclose utility costs when they sell a home and a plan to get county officials to trade in their government-issued sport-utility vehicles.

"We are attacking literally every source of greenhouse gas that exists and ensuring that our county and our citizens use less energy," said council member Roger Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda), lead sponsor of the measures and an energy lawyer.

[goldstategop]

Its funny. Liberals are always howling about housing affordability and the next thing they do is pass a measure to increase housing costs. Quelle surprise!

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[catman67]

This is Montgomery County MD, (not MA) the capitol of Political Correctness!

[RegulatorCountry]

Liberals are always howling about housing affordability and the next thing they do is pass a measure to increase housing costs

Next comes a measure to require a certain percentage of "affordable" housing, subsidized by the builder's other sales, in order to get a permit.

[Abby4116]

When they trade in those government provided SUV’s, perhaps government provided bicycles would be in order as replacements. Have to set a good example, you know ....

[Lorianne]

ooops sorry, you’re right!
I’ll see if I can get the moderator to change it.

[Thrownatbirth]

Monkey County - thanks for taking the illegals off our hands in VA.

[Eurale]

What about:

. Federal dining standards?

> Federal exercise standards?

> Federal gathering standards?

> Federal parenting standards?

> Federal belief standards?

> etc.

[Publius6961]

Does anyone else remember when the federal government prohibited the manufacture and sale of smaller, fuel efficient cars?

Anyone?

...hello...?

[RC2]

“and ensuring that our county and our citizens use less energy”....this means that you have no longer any choice, even though it is your life and your country. They have taken over......regardless of how you feel or how much it costs you. Will you sit and take it or will you fight back?

[Publius6961]

Will you sit and take it or will you fight back?

I assume that is a rhetorical question.

Both Sun Tzu and Clausewitz discuss the answer to that very question at length...

[freespirited]

Next comes a measure to require a certain percentage of "affordable" housing, subsidized by the builder's other sales, in order to get a permit.

I don't think so. They already have something like that.

[synbad600]

WTF? Aren’t there enough empty/bankrupt houses out there already? Just buy a used one!

[wildbill]

In another era this would have been considered a very sneaky way to prevent ethnic minorities from buying into posh and tony suburbs.

But if liberals do it to save the children and the earth, it must be OK.

[PurpleMan]

Maryland’s Motto: “We’re Almost As Bad As New Jersey”

Governor: Martin O’Mallard

[rockvillem]

There already is an “affordable” housing mandate, although its implementation is head scratching.

Our Dem controlled county government is always on the lookout for new laws to pass to address the hot-button P.C. issue of the day. It was transgendered rights last month. Goodness knows what it will be next month.

Meanwhile we have a budget deficit, but they are still on target to give county employees 8% pay increases (counting “step”) each of the next 3 years. Sigh.

[silverleaf]

“We are attacking literally every source of greenhouse gas that exists ...”

(Especially the citizens themselves)

and ensuring that our county and our citizens use less energy,” ...

(Will the last sane person leaving Montgomery County please turn out the lights?)

“said council member Roger Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda), lead sponsor of the measures and an energy lawyer....”

I have to wonder about the square footage, number of cars, number of frivolous electronic gadgets, number of airline miles used per year, and other energy efficiency habits of the home and family of a Bethesda lawyer. And how loud he would squeal if the law he is sponsoring would be made retroactive and applied to his own personal little piece of God’s green acres.

[oh8eleven]

"We are attacking literally every source of greenhouse gas that exists and ensuring that our county and our citizens use less energy," said council member Roger Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda)
"We are attacking literally every source of greenhouse gas that exists and ensuring that our county and our citizens use less energy," said council member Roger Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda) FREEDOM

[JimC214]

“You citizen Smith make sure you touch your toes!”

[Abby4116]

IIRC, Montgomery County is the one that will not allow any students to opt out of the “alternative lifestyle” sex education classes, It seems that they have already taken over the parenting and belief standards.