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Date ArticleType
2/23/2022 Member News

Government Affairs Staff Represent HBA at NAHB Board Meeting at International Builder Show


HBA government affairs staff represented the HBA and its members at a number of NAHB meetings during the International Builders show including the Federal Government Affairs Committee, State and Local Government Affairs, Construction Codes and Standards, and the Area 15 Caucus. Although a number of unique issues were discussed at each meeting, a few issues were pervasive; cost of building material, workforce development, and energy efficiency and climate change.

Cost of Building Material
During the Federal Government Affair Committee, we learned that the U.S. Department of Commerce, under review, reduced countervailing and antidumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber from 17.9% to 11.64%. The reduction occurred after the Department of Commerce originally doubled duties from 9% to 17.9% last November.

Workforce Development
During a press conference at IBS, NAHB announced a new agreement with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to introduce more of America’s youth to a future career in residential construction.
To kick off the pilot program, 10 local home builder associations (HBAs) will work with local Boys & Girls Clubs to mentor young men and women, showcase the multiple career opportunities available in the home building industry and help guide them to choose a career in residential construction. The local HBA chapters will host events, including career panels, jobsite visits, and job shadowing.

Energy Efficiency and Climate Change
Recognizing that federal and state governments and policymakers at all levels are considering or taking steps to reduce the amount of carbon emitted into the environment and many have targeted housing as a contributor to atmospheric carbon emissions, NAHB delegates passed a resolution to join the conversation seeking solutions while also advocating for housing affordability within those models.
To address housing affordability while also designing for a “net zero” future, the resolution offers two complementary paths.

NAHB Support for Housing and Climate