Is Building Green really Government Control in Disguise?

March 22nd, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

Hell’o to all this great day. “Cap and Trade” Bill was passed when the new” Health” Bill passed today. Congratulations to all for making this a better place to live.

I first want to say that I have been building, have been certified, and truly support worthy environmental practices.  What scares me is the chance very soon our own Goverment will be involved more than we will be aware of and watch out. Well, we might want to step back a couple of steps and make sure we still have our “FREEDOM”.  I am not out stating total government control, not yet - but be aware.

When building “Green” you have to have your home verifed/certified it meets the new standards for Energy Efficiency. Certain tests are done to assure compliance; Blower door test, where the home is pressurized in which air is pulled into the home through the unknown leaks throughout the home, poor HVAC.  Infrared/Thermography test is also done at the same time viewing all the cold air coming through the leaks in your home.  Your home has to reach particular specifications before you can qualify your home. Once this is done you will receive one of several certifications - ENERGYSTAR*, BUILT GREEN, or LEED.   

These tests are done for both new homes and older homes going to become Energy Efficient.  What scares me is that soon it will be mandatory that before any home can be “Sold” it must go through this certification process.  Currently these programs are new and being done by or supported by local Building Associations or Associates certified to perform the “Home Evaluations”. I personally support helping the environment. However within the coming year 2011, this  process will be provided by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), “Cap and Trade”.  Goverment Control.

What happened to our rights to live in the home of our choice, hopefully someday to be owned by you. But before you can “Sell” your home the Government will have to give it’s stamp of approval. This stamp will be  clearly seen attached to the house so it can be sold. The current homeowner has to bring their home up to the EPA regulations set forth. Those regulations are being drawn up as we speak. What makes this all funny is that the statistics for all of this is based on “theories” not “fact”, “FUZZY MATH”. More Laws.

As I have seen over the last 8 years how at times ridiculous decisions are made on  formulas that have no facts to prove what we all want to occur - to have the “perfect environmental home”. I am sure their will be another Governmant Bailout for all the Home Owners to afford to get these updates. But where does the Government get the money to help all of us. WELL - From all of us, in the form of more taxes.  Just like what just happened. Are you beginning to see the picture. What was to be a good thing, will soon we “LAW” and “Enforced”.  Will you actually be able to own a home in the future with all the restrictions on them?

My goal is not to get everyone screaming at me. Just take a moment and re-evaluate what is currently happening around us with all of the new controls coming in the form of the new laws being passed. Our Government knows you cannot stay up to date with all that they do.  So “Pay Attention” your rights are all that you really have, or do we even have those anymore?

Enjoy life.