Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Developers Push Back on Potential Legislation
Last week, Stephen Neukam of the Capital News Service reported on the renewed effort by Maryland Democrats to pass climate legislation this General Assembly. “The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, the Senate version of a cross-chamber environmental legislation push, would prohibit newly-constructed buildings beginning in 2024 from using fossil fuels for heating and hot water and existing buildings over 25,000 square feet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040,” Neukam reports. But…“Representatives for the commercial real estate industry argue the new standards would be too costly for developers and that the changes are unrealistic to be accomplished on the timeline lawmakers have set.”
The debate is expected to continue at hearings before the House Environment and Transportation Committee.
What do you think? Do you think new development in Maryland should be held to new, environmentally-sensitive building standards and best practices? Or would legislation of this sort handicap developers/development?
Here’s what you said:
I believe that we all should become more sensitive to protecting the environment. This will include real estate development.
Carolyn Councell, Pasadena
What energy will be used for buildings if it doesn't come from the grid (60% fossil fuels, 20% nuclear)? Do people understand the amount of energy it takes to run large commercial buildings? A 200 unit apartment complex is +/- 140,000 sq. ft. How are the tenants going to live in that situation with just solar/wind? Maybe we should focus on the energy technology first. Lastly, I hope people understand that a developer is going to pass every expense to the tenants.
Anthony Parkinson, Easton
This law is beyond reasonable especially for existing buildings will require costly investment and cause rental increases across the board for small businesses
John Brennan, Annapolis
I think this type of legislation will not only handicap development and developers, but it may also result in many vacancies in buildings affect by this legislation. I believe everyone wants a clean environment. However, whatever transition might be required to achieve an acceptable environment must be done so with rationality and sound reasoning. If the standards as suggested in this legislation were to be adapted, what will be the related cost of new development – and even more important what will be the cost, and is it even possible to retrofit older existing buildings to these standards? What impact will be had by those currently leasing space in existing buildings? Odds are a significant number of existing tenants will not be able to afford the assuredly increase in lease rates. I also think the cost of leases in any new development may result in unaffordable space in those buildings.This is a bad idea based on political agendas rather than reasonable cost benefit analysis.
Rick Schimpf, Pasadena
The view that real estate development shouldn't be impacted by climate change adaptation is short-sighted and unrealistic. We all are being impacted by climate change and all have to adapt. We have about 10 years to completely change how we do things in order to reduce the burning of fossil fuels. Otherwise, we leave a very unstable climate, nation, and world to our children from which no amount of inheritance can protect them.
Elizabeth Williams, Saint Michaels
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