USGBC TEXAS 2023 STATE ADVOCACY DAY
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023
Show your support for green building and sustainable development practices in Texas by joining us to educate legislators on State Advocacy Day.
State Advocacy Day is USGBC Texas' biennial coordinated advocacy outreach to Texas state legislators and lawmakers. Armed with an engaged coalition, our goal is to expand Texas Green Building Advocacy dialogue with legislators and with each other to gain momentum during this legislative session. USGBC Chapter members and friends are invited to join us in educating our legislators on green building and sustainable development related issues.
The day will start with volunteer training and lunch, followed by legislative visits at the Texas State Capitol. You'll have the opportunity to meet with your representatives to express any concerns, educate them and present support for potential legislation.
Narrative of Priorities (download link coming soon)
10:30 am - 12:30 pm: Mandatory Advocate Training and Lunch
Capitol Member’s Lounge, 1008 West Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Essential training in preparation for legislative visits. A light lunch will be served.
1:00 pm-5:00 pm: Legislative Meetings
Texas Capitol
Prearranged (and drop-in) visits with House and Senate elected officials. You'll have the opportunity to meet with representative's office to express any concerns, educate them and present support for potential legislation.
5:30pm-7:00pm: VIP Reception
Cushing Terrell, 316 W. 12th St. Ste. 300, Austin, TX 78701
Join us for drinks and snacks, and mingle with green building and sustainability advocates from throughout the state along with legislators and their senior staff.
We need your support. Let us know you're coming by registering above! Further details will be shared once you have registered.
Thanks to our Sponsors!
Narrative of Priorities (download link coming soon)
The Chapter’s focus goes beyond individual buildings to sustainability more broadly, including water conservation and protection, land use planning and conservation, multimodal transportation and urban redevelopment. At USGBC, we work with government, member businesses, and allied organizations to support policies and programs that advance greener buildings and communities for a better planet and a better future.
USGBC Texas has five broad Advocacy priorities:
Government Leadership by Example
We assert green building as a priority in Texas and make inroad relationships with legislators
- Every two years we host Texas State Advocacy Day, a chance for volunteer advocates to discuss the promotion of green building legislation
- Past activities: Green Building Resolution (HR 1617) in the 83rd Legislative Session
Private Sector Market Transformation
We strive to highlight green building as a driving force for smart development in the private sector
- Past activities: support of PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) statute during in the 83rd Legislative Session and ongoing support of the Texas PACE program
Raising the Bar on Codes and Regulations
Local adoption of green building codes is beneficial for both businesses and the environment and Texas should set the standard for the adoption of sustainable development practices
- Past activities: during the 84th Legislative Session, the statewide adoption of the IECC 2015 code was allowed with HB 1736 and took effect in 2017
Community-wide Sustainability
Promote community-wide sustainability including advocacy work and education at state and local levels, providing advocacy support for local sustainability plans
- We plan to continue our efforts with the Urban Affairs Committee and sustainable/resilient development of hurricane-ravaged areas in Texas
- Examples include our support for San Antonio’s SA Tomorrow plan and Resilient City efforts in Dallas and El Paso, along with supporting LEED for Neighborhood Development
Green Schools
Communicate the benefits of green schools to local school districts through our members and with the Green Schools Caucus to emphasize the 3 pillars of a green school:
- Reduced environmental impacts and costs
- Improved occupant health and wellness
- Effective environmental and sustainability education through Green Apple Day of Service
